It has been reported that Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani submitted a bid of £5 billion for full control of the club, buying out the controversial current controversial owners, the Glazer Family. Additionally, Sheikh Jassim would clear the debt currently on United’s books, which is estimated to total around £535 million, according to their own financial accounts published earlier this year. His bid also contains around £800 million in pledged investment into club, making the actual initial takeover price something closer to £3.7 billion.
Britain’s richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has also submitted his £5 billion final bid. This, however, would prove far less popular with the fans as it would provide a way for the Glazers to remain minority shareholders in the club, retaining around a 20% stake. Although, Sky News’ City Editor Mark Kleinman reported that Ratcliffe’s bid would come with “put-and-call” agreements, allowing him to buy out or force the sale of the remaining shares held by the Glazers as early as 2026.
In addition to these two outright takeover bids, there have been several minority investment proposals made as part of the process, a route which would see the Glazers retain control, amid rumours that they are reluctant to sell the club.
The capital provided by the minority investors would be primarily used to redevelop Old Trafford and the Carrington training ground, two prized assets which have seen neglect under the stewardship of the Glazers. The firms making these proposals include Elliot Management (former owners of AC Milan), Ares Management Corporation (a US-based investment group), Sixth Street Partners (another US-based firm who recently purchased a 25% stake in Barcelona’s long-term La Liga broadcast rights) and Carlyle (a US firm who own the popular clothing brand Supreme but are yet to make a foray into Football).
Sources close to the process expect a decision about a preferred bidder to be made later in May.