Man Utd takeover – news: Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos submit improved bid for club

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Neither of the two leading bids for Manchester United, fronted by the Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, submitted their improved offers for the club by Wednesday’s deadline, The Independent understands.

Both parties had until 9pm to submit their offers but have instead asked for an extension, which they were granted. It is understood both groups will submit their second, improved bids on Thursday, with the offers for the club expected to be more than £5bn.

Ratcliffe’s INEOS group and the bid fronted by Sheikh Jassim were expected to submit their offers in advance of the deadline, but in a dramatic twist it emerged the Raine group received neither offer. An extension to the process has been granted, however, and both Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim both intend to meet the new deadline.

The Glazers, who bought Manchester United for £790m in 2005 and saddled the club with debt, want around £6bn, which would be a record fee for a football club. Follow all the latest updates on the takeover below:

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Manchester United takeover: Deadline for bids extended

There was a late twist in the Manchester United takeover saga last night! The Independent now understands that neither of the two leading bids for Manchester United, fronted by the Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, submitted their improved offers for the club by Wednesday’s deadline.

Both parties had until 9pm to submit their offers but have instead asked for an extension to the deadline. It is understood both groups will submit their second, improved bids on Thursday, with the offers for the club expected to be more than £5bn in what is a crucial stage of the takeover process.

Ratcliffe’s INEOS group and the bid front by Sheikh Jassim were expected to submit their offers in advance of the deadline, but in a dramatic twist that surprised even those close to the process, it emerged the Raine group received neither offer. An extension to the process has been granted, however.

Leading Manchester United bidders granted deadline extension

Both Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have been granted extensions following the 9pm deadline on Wednesday night

Luke Baker23 March 2023 08:32

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