Gary Neville's concerns have been realised, with reports in France claiming Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS remain in the dark regarding the Glazer family's plans for Manchester United's future.
The Glazers confirmed in November 2022 that they were exploring "strategic alternatives" which could include a sale. There had been hope the process could be completed before the close of the 2022-23 season, but fans have been left none the wiser.
INEOS chief Ratcliffe is one of two parties still in the running, as well as Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani. The owners may yet opt to stay involved in some capacity, be that by remaining as owners with outside investment, or by retaining a minority stake in the club.
"What you want from leaders is good, clear communication," Neville told The Observer. "The Glazer family do the exact opposite. They’re in a position of authority, looking after a community – and United’s fans around the world are a global community – but the Glazers haven’t communicated with them for nearly 20 years.
"The sale process is extending to an unpalatable length, everyone’s in the dark and it’s symptomatic. They have to exit but I haven’t got faith that they’ll do the right thing."
Fresh reports from L'Equipe (via Get French Football News) point to INEOS being unable to make transfer plans for Nice - the club they currently own - before there is certainty over Ratcliffe's Man Utd bid. The reports point to prospective owners being kept in the dark by the Glazers, just as feared by Neville.
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Ratcliffe is expected to take a majority stake if his bid is successful. Sheikh Jassim, meanwhile, has proposed a full takeover as he aims to acquire the Manchester club.
Reports in mid-June indicated that both parties remain in conversations over their respective bids. The Telegraph reported earlier this month that Ratcliffe had recently flown to New York for talks as he remains hopeful of completing a takeover.
“We would see our role as the long-term custodians of Manchester United on behalf of the fans and the wider community," Ratcliffe announced in a statement accompanying the initial bid. "We are ambitious and highly competitive and would want to invest in Manchester United to make them the number one club in the world once again.
"We also recognise that football governance in this country is at a crossroads. We would want to help lead this next chapter, deepening the culture of English football by making the club a beacon for a modern, progressive, fan-centred approach to ownership.
“We want a Manchester United anchored in its proud history and roots in the North-West of England, putting the Manchester back into Manchester United and clearly focusing on winning the Champions League.”
