Manchester United may have strong interest from America over a potential takeover deal from the Glazers, according to Ben Jacobs.
The Lowdown: Glazers sale
It was reported in November that the Glazer family were looking to end their 17-year control of United as they put the Premier League side up for sale.
The American family, who also own NFL franchise Tampa Bay Buccaneers, acquired the club in 2005 for £790m and look set to finally put an end to an ownership that has been marred by protests and all-round discontent towards their position within the club.
Interest in United has ranged from British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Apple and Gulf states including Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (via Football365).
The Latest: Jacobs’ update
Speaking to GiveMeSport, CBS Sports reporter Jacobs revealed that an American-led consortium could soon find its way to the front of the billing.
He said: “I would expect strong and healthy interest from America-based or American-led consortiums, and they’re the ones that tend to work diligently and privately and don’t make a lot of noise, as they want their business to be private.
“Traditionally, those who make the most noise in the earliest stages of a takeover are usually the least credible.”
The Verdict: Needs to happen soon
From United’s on-pitch perspective – particularly Erik ten Hag’s point of view – a takeover would ideally be completed as soon as possible, with the Glazers’ reluctance to make funds available for this transfer window limiting United to making Wout Weghorst their only arrival this month so far.
They will be desperate this isn’t the case in the summer, with a lack of incomings before next season potentially threatening to undo all of Ten Hag’s good work, which has seen the Red Devils now command a strong position in the Champions League places with a six-point gap above fifth place.
Ratcliffe’s interest first emerged in November (via The Sun) after the United fan threw his hat into the ring, and in recent days, has re-entered the spotlight over a potential purchase after Greenpeace urged United not to consider bids from the 70-year-old due to the climate change impact of his company INEOS (via The Mirror). This could forge a path for a potential US charge to the ownership.
We believe that plenty of fans will be hoping the takeover is completed soon after an almost barren January window so far.