Manchester United still have three matches left this season, but already thoughts are turning to the future.
Whether that future will be without the Glazer family still remains unknown, with the takeover saga dragging on and on, much to the annoyance of fans. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim remain the two frontrunners, but any indication when a preferred bidder might be announced remains up in the air.
Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag is preparing his side to finish their Premier League campaign against Chelsea on Thursday and Fulham on Sunday before attention will turn to the FA Cup final, against Manchester City on June 3.
There is plenty going on around the club at the moment – and here are the latest headlines from Mirror Football.
Glazer sends United unwanted bill
Avram Glazer is not a popular man among Manchester United fans and his recent appearances in the country are unlikely to endear him to them further.
The Athletic reports that the majority shareholder took two very expensive private jets to watch the Carabao Cup final in February and the Women’s FA Cup final this month.
Each flight cost around £250,000 – and was billed to the club the American billionaire has part-owned since 2005.
Sheikh Jassim considering West Ham
The Qatari banker is reportedly set to lose out to Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the race to buy Manchester United and could therefore turn his attention elsewhere.
According to El Pais, the Hammers could be in line for an approach despite Tottenham previously being mentioned as potential targets for the Qatari bid. They were subject to investment from Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky in 2021, while David Sullivan remains the majority shareholder.
Sheikh Jassim is a Man United fan but is keen to invest in a Premier League club even if he doesn’t succeed at Old Trafford.
Zilliacus looking elsewhere
Sheikh Jassim is not the only Manchester United bidder considering his options – Thomas Zilliacus is also looking elsewhere.
The Finnish businessman, who briefly flirted with the idea of buying United, is now using his XXI Century Capital group to look at other opportunities.
"We have turned our focus to some other big clubs, primarily in continental Europe but also in the UK, that have strong potential to provide investors with superior returns," he said. "We are very bullish about the value we find in certain markets and believe we can invest in clubs that will provide great returns while at the same time providing the fans with superior entertainment.”
