“Those running the process” – Ben Jacobs shares behind-scenes takeover claim from Man United

Manchester United is in the midst of a potential takeover at Old Trafford, and the Glazer family’s ‘fixation’ on a preferred bidder being named during the process, according to journalist Ben Jacobs, is ‘unhelpful’ to the process.

What is the most recent Manchester United ownership news?

According to The Daily Mail, Manchester United may not change hands until the start of the 2023/24 season since the Glazer family has yet to identify a preferred buyer to take over at Old Trafford.

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and the Nine Two Foundation, as well as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s petrochemicals, are still vying for various forms of control; nonetheless, the impasse will not affect Erik ten Hag’s £120 million summer transfer budget.

According to ESPN, other minority investment groups are also waiting to hear whether their bid to invest financial money in the Premier League giants was successful.

According to The Guardian, Manchester United employees are concerned about their job security due to the uncertainty surrounding the club’s upcoming takeover and a lack of information regarding the ramifications of a change of ownership at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils’ 800-plus employees are in the dark about their future as the club’s ownership story continues, and it appears that they will have to wait a little longer to learn about the new rules of whoever succeeds the Glazer family.

In an interview with Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs revealed some new information on Manchester United’s ownership predicament.

“Those running the process are now working around the clock with both groups to try and get both offers in shape,” Jacobs told FFC.

“This is also why the fixation on a preferred bidder is largely unhelpful, because if we were earlier in the process, you would have a preferred bidder, and that preferred bidder would enter into a period of exclusivity, and they would undertake due diligence and any potential final negotiation, and it would be significant because the Glazers would have shown their hands.”

“The longer the process has gone on, the less need there is in many ways to name a preferred bidder.” The Raine Group and the Glazers, on the other hand, can simply choose a winner. There is no actual need to place either of the parties or any minority investor in a period of exclusivity until they choose a winner because every offer on the table is exceptional.

“If the Glazers do not provide a period of exclusivity until they choose a winner, then they can obviously have maximum competitive tension.” Then, if or when a winner is chosen, we wait to see if there is a brief period of exclusivity to successfully complete the purchase process, but it would still be distinct from a preferred bidder in a period of exclusivity.”

What happens next for Manchester United?

Manchester United appears to be stuck in a takeover stalemate for the foreseeable future. Despite this, other concerns will have to take precedence in the coming months, with recruitment expected to be a major focus at Old Trafford.

Erik Ten Hag is interested in Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount. The Dutchman has previously had a proposal of roughly £40 million rejected for the England international but is poised to return with an improved offer in the region of £50 million, according to The Daily Mail.

The Evening Standard also reports that Manchester United are now ‘favorites’ to sign Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana this summer after rival suitors Chelsea dropped out of the contest.

However, in the absence of a potential takeover, it will be interesting to observe how their transfer plans would be influenced this summer.