Man Utd takeover takes twist as Glazers consider change to announcement plan

Manchester United’s owners the Glazers are now reportedly considering delaying their decision on whether to sell the club until the end of the season. The American billionaires revealed back in November that they were exploring financial options that could include an outright sale before leaving the process in the hands of Raine.

But six months later, the Glazers are yet to commit to a bidder despite several sizable proposals on the table – sparking fears they are in two minds over a sale.

Now ESPN are reporting that the Glazers are weighing up whether to delay their final decision on the club’s future until the end of the season.

That will raise concerns amongst supporters that the Glazers might be in two minds about the prospect of handing over the keys to Old Trafford.

Some supporters have even speculated on social media that the Glazers have no intention to sell and just want to test the club’s market value.

They are said to value the club at close to £6bn but no bidder is currently prepared to pay that figure.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS are said to value the club at £5bn and their bid – which would see Avram and Joel Glazer handed the chance to remain on board as stakeholders – is worth close to that figure.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani is desperate to complete a full purchase after submitting a final ‘take it or leave it’ proposal worth an estimated £5.5bn.

Crucially, the Qataris would take total control of United and buy the Glazers out of Old Trafford which is understandably taking some deliberation.

Raine set a final deadline for any last bids at the end of April but there has been no progress in the weeks that have since passed.

There was some suggestion that Ratcliffe had been identified as the Glazers’ preferred bidder which quickly prompted the fourth bid from the Qataris.

Yet it seems the gruelling process now looks set to rumble on with the Glazers expected to assess the picture at the end of the season when they could finally make their decision.

Erik ten Hag is confident United’s delayed takeover will have no damaging impact on their summer transfer business.

But fans will be worried that the Glazers will refuse to commit to further investment if they are in the process of being bought out.

That’s why supporters are so eager for a quick resolution, something they do not seem likely to receive.

On the pitch, United have now secured Champions League football for next season after winning 1-0 at Bournemouth.

Casemiro struck the all important winner for Ten Hag’s side at the Vitality Stadium after Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.