Rio Ferdinand admits the lack of cohesion from the Glazers regarding the potential sale of Manchester United is a massive issue for both Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
The pair have been battling for control of the Premier League outfit for months, but no decision has yet been made. United's American owners made it known they were exploring all avenues last year, which included potentially selling up.
Both Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe have submitted bids, the Qataris seeking full control whilst the Brit is happy to keep the Glazers on for a period before eventually buying them out. Neither have yet been given an answer however with the current hierarchy undecided on their next move.
Six members of the Glazer family ultimately have say despite Joel and Avram being the most visible members. There has been a divide amongst them regarding whether they want to sell up and, if they do, how much they'd be looking to walk away with as the asking price remains a contentious issues.
The lack of agreement has been a major factor in the saga with Ferdinand saying on his FIVE YouTube show : "I had some news from a very good source, my great source at Manchester United. Things were running quite smoothly and it was going down the right path but then obviously [it hit a bump]. I think the big issue is, when you’re dealing with a group of people rather than an individual, it makes things very complex and difficult at times.
"You’re not dealing with one individual with the Glazers – I think Jim Ratcliffe came out and said it. That’s been the issue behind the scenes, I didn’t want to come out and say it, but you’re dealing with siblings in the Glazer family who are there to make a collective decision.
"I don’t think one person can just make a decision on their own, so therefore that makes it very difficult to say yes immediately just like that [clicks fingers]. It’s a process that they have to go through."
Ratcliffe has commented on the difficulties that come with dealing with numerous people as they seek a collective decision. In his new book he wrote: "We went to see [the Glazers] and they were charming. They are all very nice, despite the press they get... But the club is owned equally by siblings and you can't talk to that many siblings, really."
United's ongoing uncertainty is beginning to manifest itself in other areas of the club. Erik ten Hag wants to bolster his options ahead of his second summer but the Dutchman is working on a limited budget with the Glazers reluctant to pour money into the squad whilst they're undecided on their next move.
