MAN UTD TAKEOVER: JOURNALIST MAKES SHEIKH JASSIM ‘PULL OUT’ CLAIM AS GLAZER REFUSES QUESTIONS

Man Utd bidder Sheikh Jassim and the Nine Two Foundation would rather “pull out” of the takeover race than be “rejected”, according to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Red Devils are currently in the middle of a potential takeover with Sheikh Jassim and INEOS founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe the two public bidders for the club.

Sheikh Jassim reportedly made a fourth offer last month directly to the Glazers following reports that Ratcliffe’s camp had become increasingly positive that they would win the race.

Man Utd announced in November that the board was exploring “strategic alternatives” to enhance the club’s growth, with a full sale one option being considered.

Some supporters are increasingly worried that a sale could rumble on and impact their summer transfer dealings with a decision not appearing to be any closer.

And Jacobs has brought a bit of an update with Sheikh Jassim likely to “pull out” of the race to buy Man Utd if it becomes clear that the Glazers are not going to accept any of his bids.

Jacobs told GiveMeSport: “It’s about those two sides dropping the games and working out whether anything is realistic or not. If it is, then there is a very real chance that the Nine Two Foundation will go a little bit higher once again.

“But if it isn’t, they may pull out because I don’t think the Nine Two Foundation will necessarily want a scenario whereby they’re rejected. I think it’s more likely that they’ll do everything in their power to win.

“If they feel like the process is just not geared towards them winning because the Glazers want to stay, and with time running out because they don’t want this to overshadow the whole of the summer window, at that point I can see the Nine Two Foundation feeling like it’s more in their interests to just walk away.

“If it gets to a point where they no longer feel like they can buy the club because the Glazers are looking in a different direction or the process is just not geared towards getting anything done that benefits them, and quickly, at that point I don’t think the Nine Two Foundation would just wait to watch somebody else come in and be rejected. I think they would pull out of the process first.”

Co-owner Avram Glazer was at Wembley for the final and ignored questions about the takeover as he left through the interview area following United’s 2-1 defeat to Man City in the FA Cup final.

Speaking after the match, Erik ten Hag responded to a question about the takeover and summer improvements: “I think in this moment I don’t want to discuss that.

“It’s about finalising the season. We have to be quiet, analyse the season, go into the depth, then set the right conclusions and then take action. It’s about that.

“Of course, during the season you continually make your considerations and already some actions are into process.

“But, yeah, now the season is finished and the conclusion all over is we played a brilliant season.”

Asked if he has different plans for whether there is a takeover or not, Ten Hag added: “I have only one plan and that is to improve this club and to improve this team.

“I will fight for (that). I have my ideas and I already talked with the club about what we have to do for that.

“But also what I said, yeah, I have to work with my staff, with my players to be better in next season.”

2023-06-04T13:53:08Z dg43tfdfdgfd