Man Utd takeover latest as Jim Ratcliffe ‘remains optimistic’ in face of Qatar ‘success’ claims

Manchester United are still waiting for a takeover to go through months after it was announced the Glazers would be seeking investment.

The Glazers have not been clear over whether they want a complete takeover or a partial investment, and that could be a key point in any final takeover talks, with buyers likely wanting full control of the club. Talks are starting to progress according to the latest reports, though, and we have rounded up all the latest new surrounding a possible takeover at Old Trafford.

Join us below as we round up all the latest on the situation as pre-season nears.

‘Qatar wins’ claims

Reports in Qatar have claimed that Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani has won the race to buy United.

The Glazers are said to be likely to make a decision on their preferred bidder this week, granting exlusive rights to further negotiations. Al-Watan, via The Mirror, have claimed that Jassim’s bid has been a ‘success’ and that an ‘announcement’ would be made soon. Though, it’s worth noting that the news organisation behind the report is owned by Jassim’s father.

It could be viewed that the organisation have a genuine inside view of the situation, but you could also look at it as potential false reporting in a bid to influence the race between Jassim and Ratcliffe.

Ratcliffe latest

Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group are said to remain ‘optimistic’ despite the fresh Qatar bid.

The Independent report hat neither of the bidders see themselves as ‘out of the running’, while Ratcliffe and his group remain positive despite the fact Qatar will likely outbid them in terms of cash value. INEOS are said to believe that the range of options they are offering the Glazer family - particularly in terms of keeping a portion of the shares - will give them the advantage they need.

The Glazers have been unsure about departing the club for good, and INEOS could use that to their advantage, given the Qatari bid required 100% of the shares.

Share price jumps

In the meantime, Man Utd shares have risen in the wake of those reports in Qatar.

Shares are said to have jumped up in value as much as 10% after the news broke of a takeover, but it’s unlikely the change in share price will impact the price of any share sale. That’s because the Glazers and their financial advisors will have foreseen a jump in share prices amid talks of a takeover, and the impact will have been reflected in the asking price for the club.

It’s worth noting that United have refused to comment on any of the reports of a takeover swaying in the direction of the Qatar bid.