Man Utd takeover timeline in full as Sir Jim Ratcliffe edges out Sheikh Jassim

Manchester United remain in the process of a potential takeover almost 11 months after it was first announced that the Glazers could step aside. United fans have protested heavily against the Glazers over recent years, and in November 2022, the owners announced they 'exploring strategic alternatives'.

Offers and talks over a takeover have followed, but progress has been slow despite the presence of two serious bidders. United and the Glazers now have just one proposal on the table after Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al Thani withdrew his bid at the weekend. Here, we have put together a full timeline of the process so far...

November 22, 2022

The whole process began on November 22, 2022, when the Glazers confirmed they would be open to alternative ownership options, including ‘new investment’. This opened the door for a takeover, with the Raine Group overseeing the process.

November 29, 2022

Wild rumours of interest began, including everything from Apple and Amazon to Elon Musk and David Beckham. Arab States were also said to be of interest, as well a delegation from Ineos.

February 17, 2023

The bidding process ramps up a notch after Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim submit official bids. More detail was available about the Qatari bid, which was for required 100 percent of the club.

February 18, 2023

US hedge fund Elliott Management submitted a proposal for a minority stake in United.

February 28, 2023

Avram Glazer attends the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.

February 28, 2023

It emerged the Glazers were split on selling the club after bidders failed to meet their more than £6billion valuation.

March 5, 2023

Sheikh Jassim, Ratcliffe and Elliott Management made it through to the second round of bidding.

March 16 and 17, 2023

Sheikh Jassim’s representatives and Ratcliffe were given tours of Old Trafford and Carrington, and were given inside financial information.

March 22, 2023

The Raine Group extended the deadline for second bids, with Elliott Management making a minority offer, while Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe were late in making second bids.

March 23, 2023

Ratcliffe locked in his second bid.

March 24, 2023

One day later, Sheikh Jassim did the same.

April 11, 2023

The Glazers then took the sale process to the third round, requesting final bids by the end of the month.

April 28, 2023

Sheikh Jassim made a record bid to secure 100 percent of the club, while Ratcliffe also made a bid but for a reduced stake, allowing the Glazers to potentially stay put.

May 16, 2023

Despite the deadline passing, Sheikh Jassim returned with a fourth bid of £5bn. Ratcliffe and Ineos offered to buy 80% of the club, allowing the Glazers to keep a significant stake, while his bid was worth more in terms of price per share.

June 7, 2023

Sheikh Jassim submitted a fifth and final offer.

October 14, 2023

After receiving no real response, Sheikh Jassim left the process. Ratcliffe had proposed to buy 25 percent of the club with plans to purchase more shares at a later date. Ineos' offer, which is expected to be accepted, will see them take charge of the football operations at Old Trafford.

October 19, 2023

Originally, a board meeting was expected to result in United accepting Ratcliffe's offer, but that now looks unlikely. The drawn-out saga is expected to continue for at least another few weeks.