Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) have reacted to the recent breakthrough in the club’s takeover process.
This weekend, it was reported by numerous outlets that Qatar-based Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani withdrew his proposal after it was rejected by the Glazer family. They were asking for around £6.4 billion to sanction a full sale, while he had offered around £5.2b in his final bid.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who was the only other bidder looking to acquire a significant stake in the club, is now set to buy a stake of around 25 per cent. A large part of why the Englishman is set on investing in a minority share is because he plans to gradually gain complete control of United in the coming years, which would see the Glazers eventually depart entirely.
He will also hold sporting control over operations and be an influential voice in the running of England’s most successful side.
MUST react
MUST have responded to the development with a statement that reads: “It would be wildly optimistic to think Glazers are acting in the interests of supporters or are making ownership decisions which don’t centre on their own priorities. We call upon all parties to put United interests before their own interests.
“If the reports are true regarding INEOS obtaining a 25% stake in our club there are a number of questions which need clarity before supporters can make any judgement on its merits.”
The 11 questions posed by the trust are below.