Uncertainty over Manchester United’s potential sale is causing club employees concern regarding their job security, with staff being told nothing about the process.
The Glazers served notice of a possible sale in November and the Guardian has learned that the lack of a resolution seven months later has provoked worry and frustration among the 800-plus people who work for the club.
All levels of staff and management face an uncertain future until it is decided who is to own United and what their policies will be.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, a Qatari banker, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Ineos’s owner, are the only two publicly declared prospective purchasers. Sheikh Jassim wishes to buy United outright, whereas Ratcliffe’s intent is to acquire a little over a 50% controlling interest.
On Thursday a document at Companies House emerged which showed Sheikh Jassim’s vehicle for becoming the proprietor, Nine Two Holdings, had been registered in the UK. This is in preparation for a potential takeover.
On the same day Reuters reported that United were negotiating granting exclusivity to Sheikh Jassim regarding a sale. That was interpreted in some quarters as an attempt to bring a new bid from Ratcliffe. It is understood neither Sheikh Jassim nor Ratcliffe is clear on how the process will develop from here.
On Friday United published their retained list and said “discussions remain open with David de Gea over a potential new contract” beyond this month. Although United are less optimistic of reaching a deal with the goalkeeper than they were at the start of the month and have not made a firm offer, the club retain hope of an agreement. They are offering De Gea reduced terms.
Mason Greenwood was on the list because he has a contract to 2025. The 21-year-old’s future is unclear, with the club considering their next steps after a charge of attempted rape was dropped in early February.
