Manchester United takeover bids ‘expected imminently’ with serious interest in club

Manchester United are expecting takeover offers from across the world as they are set to invite bids ahead of ‘mid-February deadline’.

The Telegraph have reported that the club have received ‘serious interest’ from consortiums based in the Middle East, Asia and the United States. 

British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe is also weighing up an offer, as the Glazers hope to the sell one of the biggest clubs in the world for over £5billion.  

The report also adds that parties who had been interested in taking over Chelsea, before Todd Boehly’s £4.25bn takeover, are set to return with approaches for the Red Devils.

It’s expected that potential investors will go public with their attempts to buy United in the coming weeks with the clock ‘now ticking on a deal’.

Senior United figures will issue a mid February deadline for formal offers in order to help get get the takeover completed before the end of the season. 

British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe is known to be one of the interested parties in the Red Devils

It’s claimed that parties who were interested in Chelsea before Todd Boehly completed a takeover, are interested in returning with an offer for Manchester United

United are said to be informing interested parties in the next few days and that bids will be taken for both complete buyouts of the club as well as minority stakes which would keep the Glazers onboard.  

The Telegraph claim that Ratcliffe is thought to be ready to put together a figure which would be dependent on the club qualifying for next season’s Champions League. 

Ratcliffe though is said to be wary about overpaying and he walked away from talks with Chelsea because he ‘felt the club was too greedy’. 

The British billionaire has supported United since boyhood and attended the 1999 Champions League final.

Taking over the Old Trafford club would not necessarily mean Ineos would have to sell French club Nice. 

United’s January transfer window has been affected by the club being put up for sale

Potential investors for United are expected to go public with their interest in the coming days

However, they would not be allowed to play against each other in Europe under Uefa rules.  

Manchester United’s spending in the January window has been affected by the club being put up for sale, as Erik ten Hag has had to look out for loan deals rather than permanent signings for big money.

This meant they missed out on target Cody Gakpo, who joined rivals Liverpool for £44million.

Whoever the new owner is will also have to deal with what to do Old Trafford, after the club was presented with a raft of stadium expansion options – including the demolition of Old Trafford and building a new home.  

One big issue for prospective owners is what they would plan to do with Old Trafford

However, the situation is now effectively on hold, with any expansion likely to be decided on by new owners.

‘There will be more investment possible which is good,’ said Ten Hag on the prospect of new ownership.

The former Ajax boss revealed he was informed of the plan by Manchester United chief executive Richard Arnold and was given reassurance about what it would mean for him and his squad.

‘We spoke about the culture we want, we spoke about objectives, goals and the culture and he confirmed it won’t change,’ the Dutchman said.

‘It will be even better because more money will become available for this project.’