Man Utd takeover: Qatar remain ‘confident’ despite Glazers’ plan to double value

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani still believes he will be successful with his takeover of Manchester United, according to reports.

The Qatari banker and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are the only parties who still remain interested in completing a full purchase of the club, with a deadline believed to have been set for 28 April for both to submit a third offer for the Red Devils. The Guardian claim Sheikh Jassim remains ‘confident’ that his bid will convince the Glazers to sell, with the member of the Qatar royal family planning to buy 100 percent of shares.

Meanwhile, it’s been reported that the Glazers are considering minority offers from private equity firms. The Independent state that Carlyle Group Inc are in talks to make a partial investment in United.

Carlyle and Elliott Management are seen as favourites to buy a stake in the club, with Sixth Street and Ares also interested. The Independent add that the thought of minority investment is being taken more seriously by the Glazers.

ESPN report something similar and state co-chairmen Joel and Avram Glazer are ‘increasingly confident of securing the outside investment’ that could double the value of the club over the next decade due to expected increases in broadcast income and streaming opportunities.

The same outlet claim the two brothers prefer external investment that will see them remain in control of the club, with the other four siblings - Kevin, Bryan, Edward and Darcie - willing to sell their stake in the 20-time English champions.

Yet the news has impacted United’s share price which on Monday dropped to its lowest since the Glazers announced their intentions to ‘explore strategic alternatives’. The share price opened the week at 19.53 USD, the lowest since 18.12 USD on 23 November. It was previously trading between 12-13 USD over October and November prior to Glazers’ statement at the end of the month.