The Glazers are continuing to allow the process to drag on despite fan unrest and protests, while investors are also becoming frustrated with the lack of progress made since their announcement in November 2022 that they would welcome proposals for investment and bids to buy them out.
It is widely believed that they will now decide against selling their controlling stake after receiving offers upwards of £5bn. And that is why Ratcliffe’s offer for 25 per cent appeals, because the INEOS CEO will be able to provide a cash injection without having the final say on decisions in Manchester.
The American family have been at the helm at Old Trafford since 2005 when Malcolm Glazer completed his leveraged £780m deal. Now the club is predominantly run by his two sons, Avram and Joel, they are looking to earn a significant profit while alleviating the club of its huge debts.
But Ratcliffe’s offer could allow them to stay the top for a little while longer as they hope for a bigger slice of the pie.
