The race to buy Manchester United reached a new stage on Wednesday night as the latest deadline in the process came and went.
The Glazer family confirmed back in November a willingness to consider ‘strategic alternatives’ for the club they have owned since 2005, including the possibility of a full takeover.
Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe have been the two frontrunners as the only two to go public with full takeover bids. Support for one or the other has been massively divided among fans on social media eagerly awaiting updates.
There is other interest too. However, many are for a minority stake in the club.
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Overall, United officials have met with multiple suitors this month. That included a delegation representing Sheikh Jassim, while Ratcliffe personally made the trip to Old Trafford.
reports have revealed that improved bids from both Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have been submitted, with each in excess of £5bn – such a figure eclipses the current world record paid for a sports team, set when the Denver Broncos were bought for $4.65bn (£3.75bn) last year. The eventual sale price for Chelsea was £2.5bn, with an additional £1.75bn pledged for investment.
Sources have previously confirmed that the Glazers have been holding out for £6bn.
Ratcliffe said just this week he would not be pressured into paying over the odds.
