Man Utd takeover latest: ‘Talks continue’ as club suffer unprecedented market setback

The situation surrounding Manchester United’s takeover has not changed in recent days, according to reports.

The Mail on Sunday claimed the Glazers had decided they were no longer planning to sell the club as no buyer had come close to their £6bn valuation. It was also reported the owners would hold out for a bid of between £7bn and £10bn in two years' time.

However, as per the Daily Mail, that is not the case. The outlet claim that ‘nothing had changed’ and a decision has yet to be made by the Glazers.

“Sources with knowledge of the process added that negotiations were continuing,” claimed the Mail. “Both bids were around the £5bn mark, some way short of the Glazers' valuation. The talks are aimed at bridging what is a substantial gap.”

Nearly 10 months on from the Glazers announcing they were seeking ‘strategic alternatives’ which could include a sale, and the process has stalled. Offers from Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcilffe have been received, while there is still the possibility of minority investment from various US financial groups.

But the uncertainty has led to frustrations from the United fans, who protested ahead of the opening match of the season against Wolverhampton Wanderers and staged an hour-long sit-in after the recent home win over Nottingham Forest. Fans also organised a protest outside the club’s megastore on transfer deadline day.

Meanwhile, the recent reports that the Glazers will remain in control have caused an unprecedented drop in the club’s stock price. United's shares dropped by more than 18 percent on Monday, the biggest single-day fall in their history, which wiped $700m (£556m) off the club's stock price.

On the pitch, United have begun the 2023/34 in underwhelming fashion and have failed to impress in any of their four opening league matches of the new campaign. Erik ten Hag’s side have picked up six points, and next face Brighton & Hove Albion after the international break.