Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani is increasingly uncertain whether the Glazers will sell Manchester United, with the Qatari banker yet to receive a response to a fifth bid of about £6bn lodged four weeks ago in a process that has reached an eighth month.
Sheikh Jassim’s last offer was a take-it-or-leave-it price because he and his advisers are frustrated with the pace of the process, and they are unsure about the American family’s intent because there has been no concrete communication regarding the fifth bid from the Raine Group, the US bank which is handling any sale.
Sheikh Jassim is aware the lack of clarity means the situation could change quickly. He and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Ineos founder and co‑owner, are the only publicly declared bidders. Sheikh Jassim’s offer is for 100% of the club and Sir Jim’s proposed deal is for just over 50%, which would mean one or more of the Glazers could retain a minority share.
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In November the Glazers indicated their 18-year ownership could end when starting “a process to explore strategic alternatives”.
On Wednesday Mason Mount completed his £55m transfer from Chelsea to United to become Erik ten Hag’s first summer signing, with United also stepping up their intent to buy keeper André Onana from Internazionale by offering £39m (€45.5m). Internazionale value the Cameroonian at closer to €60m and rejected the bid, but talks continue.
The England international Mount said: “I can’t wait to be part of this group’s drive to win major trophies. Everyone can see that the club has made big steps forward under Erik ten Hag. Having met with the manager and discussed his plans, I couldn’t be more excited for the seasons ahead, and am ready for the hard work expected here.”
Mount has been given the No 7 shirt, following in the footsteps of players including Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.
