BREAKING – Man Utd takeover scrapped by ‘Glazer U-turn’ in Sheikh Jassim vs Jim Ratcliffe anti-climax

The Glazers’ actions have left many parties deeply frustrated throughout the Manchester United takeover saga.

For a while, it seemed that Manchester United was on the cusp of a complete takeover. However, the Glazer family abruptly halted Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani’s growing optimism, as reported.

This extended takeover process, spanning a staggering 11 months, is now expected to conclude with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority investment, a resolution that has left numerous stakeholders dissatisfied.

However, perhaps no one is more disheartened than Sheikh Jassim, who emerged as the sole contender aiming to acquire the entire club earlier this year.

His offer soared to a remarkable £5.2 billion, doubling the club’s market value. Yet, the Glazers insisted on at least £6 billion to even consider selling.

Sheikh Jassim’s continued efforts to meet their demands led to his withdrawal from the process earlier this month, paving the way for Sir Jim to secure a 25% stake in United through a £1.4 billion deal.

This move keeps the Glazer family firmly in control at Old Trafford but provides INEOS with total authority over the sporting aspects in what appears to be the initial phase of a potential gradual takeover.

Kieran Maguire, a football finance expert, revealed that Sheikh Jassim had, on multiple occasions, agreed to increase his offer to meet the Glazers’ demands.

However, the owners based in the United States altered their terms when the Qatar camp believed an agreement was near. Maguire commented, “I’m not surprised that Qatar completely withdrew.

Senior sources close to the Sheikh Jassim bid have indicated to me that there was increased frustration towards the conduct of the Glazers. On more than one occasion, they had agreed to increase the bid.

They had agreed to some concessions as far as the demands of the Glazers were concerned.

Yet every time they felt they were close to shaking hands on a deal, the terms were changed. In the end, they didn’t want to be taken advantage of.”

Many fans are content to see Sir Jim taking control of the sporting operations at United, which have struggled since the departures of Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill in 2013.

Some view the initial minority stake as the necessary first step to eventually oust the Glazers from Old Trafford.

However, for those who were anticipating a complete takeover, the elimination of debt, and substantial investment in the club and its infrastructure, the outcome leaves a bitter taste in their mouths.

In the end, the Sheikh Jassim vs. Sir Jim takeover showdown had an unexpectedly anticlimactic conclusion.