Breaking News: Billionaire Investor Set to Revolutionize Manchester United with Record-breaking £13 Billion Deal!

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a renowned businessman, has agreed to acquire a 25 percent stake in Manchester United for a staggering £1.3 billion. This significant development comes after Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al Thani decided to withdraw from the bidding process. It is worth noting that Sheikh Jassim's offer, valued at a remarkable £5 billion or more, was previously speculated to be the sole bid for gaining complete ownership of the club.

However, the Qatari's offer did not meet the Glazers' expectations, causing Shiekh Jassim to withdraw from the negotiation process. Another option on the table involves purchasing approximately 25 percent of the club by petrochemicals billionaire Sir Jim, who claims to have been a fan of the team since childhood. This proposal will be discussed and finalized at an upcoming United board meeting this week.

Ratcliffe initially wanted to buy all of the Glazers' 67 per cent shareholding.

'Ratcliffe is overpaying - Sheikh Jassim did his best'

The current situation is unbelievably surreal. The Glazers' valuation is incredibly unrealistic. Sheikh Jassim presented them an offer that surpassed the market capitalization by nearly double. He was a cash buyer and intended to eliminate all their debts. Additionally, he planned to invest an additional £1.4bn in the stadium and team.

Despite these generous terms, the Glazers were still unsatisfied. As a result, we are now left with a situation where someone is willing to pay an excessive amount for only 25% of the club. This club is arguably the greatest and most historic in the world, yet after a year, only one potential buyer has emerged, and they can only provide funds for a quarter of the club.

"It's ridiculous. If they simply wanted to sell a portion of the company to a minority investor, they could have done so privately in November of last year. The value of United is determined by the market, not the Glazers or Raine. Do you remember when there were supposedly eight potential buyers? In reality, there has always been only one bidder for the entire club, so why should he compete against himself?

Ratcliffe is paying more than he should, and any valuation higher than Sheikh Jassim's is completely absurd."

If he can only afford to purchase 25% initially, who will cover the expenses for the new stadium? Who will address the maintenance of the leaking roof? Who will finance the development of a new training center, recruit new players, and support community projects? At present, United is struggling to compete not only with Brighton but also with teams like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal. The prospect of rivalling top clubs like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich seems far-fetched.

"Furthermore, opting for Ratcliffe as a new shareholder raises concerns about the impact on decision-making. It leaves us wondering about the absence of a fresh vision, enhanced ambition, and meaningful fan engagement. It's important to consider that the existing owners will retain their positions, raising doubts about whether the Glazers will eventually sell more of their shares. Moreover, the guarantee of Ratcliffe having the financial means to buy out the Glazers remains uncertain. Additionally, the crucial matter of acquiring the necessary funds to match Brighton's level also needs to be addressed.

"Sheikh Jassim made efforts to bridge the gap between the reasonable value at hand and the unrealistic valuation, showing his commitment."

How did we get here?

In February, Sheikh Jassim made his initial bid for the club.

The bid team of Sheikh Jassim had considered the option of withdrawing in May due to the lack of progress made since submitting a final offer, as requested by the Glazers in April.

It is believed that Sheikh Jassim increased his offer in June, however, it did not meet the satisfaction of the Glazers, even though it surpassed the club's valuation of $3.3bn on the New York Stock Exchange.

The parties' disagreement lies in the valuation, leaving room for Sheikh Jassim to potentially be lured back into the prolonged process. Meanwhile, protests against the Glazers persist, fueled by mounting frustration towards their ownership. United's poor start to the season, losing four out of their first eight Premier League matches and currently sitting in 10th place, has only intensified the anger.

Erik ten Hag's side have also lost both Champions League group games so far in the 2023-24 campaign.

Sheikh Jassim's offer, reportedly made earlier this year, would have surpassed the deal to purchase the NFL side Washington Commanders, thus making United the most expensive sports team in history by at least £200m. However, the offer still fell below the Glazers' valuation of the club, estimated to be around £6bn. In light of this, the Manchester United Supporters' Trust (MUST) has appealed to the Glazer family, urging them to "clearly state their stance."

"We hope that this news boosts the progress instead of causing any delays," stated the spokesperson after Sheikh Jassim's withdrawal. "Considering the past 11 months, there is uncertainty prevailing."

United requires investment to enhance Old Trafford and secure their first Premier League victory since achieving a remarkable 20th league title in 2013.

The Glazers purchased Manchester United in 2005 for nearly £800m, beginning an 18-year ownership that has been met with protests and a noticeable decline in trophies since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson as the club's manager in 2013. However, in February, the Red Devils secured their first trophy in six years by defeating Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.

Glazers 'would rather do a deal with Ratcliffe'

We News chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol:

Sheikh Jassim of Qatar has withdrawn from the sale process as the Glazers have expressed their preference to negotiate with Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is offering to purchase an initial 25 per cent share in Manchester United.

As for the football side of Manchester United, my sources indicate that there will be disappointment. Individuals in close proximity to Erik ten Hag, for instance, were eagerly anticipating Sheikh Jassim's acquisition of the club. They were hopeful that he would take the initiative to eradicate the extensive debt burden imposed on Manchester United by the Glazer family during their purchase 18 years ago.

He anticipated having more funds to invest in the transfer market and eagerly anticipated the redevelopment of both Old Trafford and the training ground Carrington.

However, the Glazer family, owners of the club, have chosen to enter into negotiations with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos group. They are offering to purchase a 25% stake in Manchester United and have expressed their intention to eventually acquire the Glazer's entire shareholding in the club. Nevertheless, this decision only adds to the existing uncertainty, leaving Manchester United in a state of limbo.

Ratcliffe deal 'would still leave Glazers in overall control'

If you happen to be a fan of Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, or Chelsea, it should bring you delight. However, for those devoted to Manchester United, it simply implies additional unpredictability. It appears that the Glazers have no intention of parting ways.

Sky News sports correspondent Rob Harris:

Sir Jim is extremely knowledgeable about the sports industry, having ownership of Nice in France and involvement in the cycling sector as well.

While his involvement would bring about new financial resources for the club, it would not fulfill the desires of numerous fans who have long been demanding a change in ownership. The frustration towards the Glazers has continuously intensified over their prolonged reign.

The Manchester United Supporters' Trust has expressed that the club urgently requires new ownership and they express their desire for this news to expedite the process instead of prolonging it. Nevertheless, numerous fans were anticipating Sheikh Jassim's arrival to bring about a new era with complete ownership of the club. However, if the club were to be invested in by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, it would ultimately result in the Glazers retaining overall control.

'There will be confusion as to what happens next'

Manchester United fans have become increasingly disgruntled over the past 11 months due to the absence of updates and communication from the Glazer family following the announcement of a strategic review.

Manchester United fans are completely disillusioned with the Glazer family, having lost all support from them. Consistent protests against the family occur during almost every Manchester United match.

Opinions among Manchester United fans will be divided. While some will feel disappointed with the lack of success in the Qatari bid, others will find contentment in this outcome.

"There may be some uncertainty regarding the future course of events. Does this imply the departure of the Glazers? Currently, it appears unlikely in the immediate future.

"Could Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos bid strive to obtain control over Man Utd? Many fans may perceive this as a preferable alternative to having the Glazers at the helm."

Manchester United requires funding for the redevelopment of Old Trafford. There is a strong consensus among the fans that the club is in need of a fresh approach.

The frustration is palpable among both the fans and those associated with the club. With a workforce of a thousand individuals, clarity regarding their future is sought after by all.