Manchester United owners the Glazer family could yet retain a stake in the club if Elliott Investment Management are chosen as the new investors, it has been claimed.
The Glazers put United up for sale in November, while also leaving themselves open to investment rather than a full takeover. The initial soft deadline for bids passed on February 17. Elliott, who registered their interest at the eleventh hour, could allow the American family to keep an interest in the Premier League side.
This marks them out from other potential investors. Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is pushing for a 100 per cent takeover, while Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have bid for majority ownership.
According to ESPN, Elliott - who are keen to supply financing rather than completing a full takeover themselves - could offer the Glazers a chance to stay. This is despite the family, who also own the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, remaining unpopular with sections of United's support.
A number of protests against the Glazers' ownership took place during the 2021-22 season. There was also an anti-Glazers protest early this season ahead of a Premier League clash with Liverpool, prompting a heavy police presence around their Old Trafford stadium.
Meanwhile, the current bidders have been given a boost by reports that no Saudi-backed bid for United will be forthcoming. Groups from Saudi Arabia had explored a takeover approach, but ultimately opted against it.
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On Sunday, the Manchester United Supporters Trust issued a statement explaining their own stance on the prospective bids. The group previously set out its demands in December, when parties first explored investment.
"There are questions about sporting integrity given the exceptionally close links between some bidders and the owners of other European clubs including PSG and Nice," part of the statement read in the light of the confirmed bidders. "There are also questions about whether any bids will also be based on high levels of debt.
"We also note the importance that any owner respects the rights of all people, particularly women and the LGBTQ+ community. Concerns have been raised by other fans groups which we fully support. We urge all bidders to open a dialogue with fans groups alongside the bidding process with the club, in order to discuss their proposals including the above issues."
The MUST also demanded any successful bidder "explicitly commit" to backing manager Erik ten Hag in the light of the team's improved form in the 2022-23 season. Ten Hag, who joined from Ajax after leading the Dutch club to the Eredivisie title last season, oversaw a 3-0 victory over Leicester on Sunday which leaves United just five points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal.
