Man Utd takeover ‘very close’ as Erik ten Hag discovers ‘likely deadline’ as he seeks January transfer boost

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is closing in on a Manchester United takeover, according to reports from Qatar.

It is almost a full year since the Glazer family announced there would be a potential sale of United as they stated their intent to “commence a process to explore strategic alternatives” which included “new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the company.”

Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have emerged as the main contenders, but the former is seeking full control of the club amid a reported £5bn offer for a 100 per cent stake. Ratcliffe is said to be open to a minority stake as the process to find new investment continues.

However, Qatari outlet Alkass TV Sports has reported Sheikh Jassim is on the brink of completing his proposed takeover of United, with Ratcliffe said to be out of the running. It follows reports the Glazers would retain control of the club during the January transfer window if a takeover was not completed by the end of November.

It is still unclear if the Glazers are willing to completely walk away from Old Trafford. According to journalist Ben Jacobs, clarity on the takeover situation will not arrive until the end of November. It is likely to be take some time before a takeover can be ratified by the relevant authorities meaning that the Glazers could still be in charge come the January window if a decision is delayed until later in the year.

It means a deadline has effectively been set to see who will be in control come January as Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag will be hoping for some backing in the transfer window opens after an inconsistent start to the 2023-24 season.

Reports earlier this week claimed Sheikh Jassim’s camp had told the Glazers “you either give us everything, or we’re walking away” amid frustration around the length of the takeover saga. It comes amid reports former United winger David Beckham was set to be offered an ambassadorial post at Old Trafford if Sheikh Jassim completed a takeover.

Beckham himself appeared to back the bid from Qatar, as he told Sky Sports at the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix: “We all have our own favourites of who we feel needs to run the club and look after the club and take the club back to where it belongs but in our eyes, in the fans’ eyes, we’re number one and we want to be back at the top. I believe I know the right people to do that.”