Date: April 17, 2023
The potential sale of Manchester United has reached a pivotal point as the third round of bidding draws near. Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim and Ineos owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe are among the bidders who have submitted revised offers to buy the renowned Old Trafford club[1]. Prospective owners were informed that they had until 21:00 GMT on Wednesday to submit their second, revised bids[2].
As reports emerged that the Glazers were considering a sale, United’s share price rose by 17%, adding almost $400 million (£335 million) to the club’s market capitalization[3]. Among the bidders that have been made public, Elliott Investment Management has advanced to the second stage of the process for the potential sale of Manchester United[4].
Although the sale of Manchester United is poised to become one of the biggest in football history, fans must be patient as the process is expected to take time[5]. Bids of more than £3 billion are believed to be in the running to buy the club from the Glazers[6]. Despite the Glazers’ presence at Wembley as Manchester United lifted the first trophy of the Erik ten Hag era, there are growing concerns that the club will not be sold outright[8].
A final sale of Manchester United could occur before the transfer window, although the timeline remains uncertain[9]. The club’s share price fell by almost 10% on Monday amid concerns that the Glazers will not sell and a Financial Times report estimating that Manchester United is worth only £1.3 billion[11].
The future of Manchester United remains on uncertain ground as the Glazer family has expressed interest in selling the club[12]. As the takeover saga accelerates, fans and stakeholders alike will be keeping a close eye on developments surrounding one of football’s most storied clubs.