By Samuel A. June 18, 2023
Manchester United’s future remains unclear, as the Glazers continue to delay a public announcement about their preferred takeover bidder. Sheikh Jassimi and Sir Jim Ratcliffe await the decision from the Raine Group, but things haven’t really been silent around the process. Despite reports indicating that fans should expect the successful party to become known this week, there hasn’t been any clarity on the whole situation. However, Sheikh Jassim’s camp is hopeful of sealing the deal after his improved fifth bid earlier this month, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who was previously considered the firm favourite, has the chance to respond to that offer with an upgraded approach of his own. The Glazers are hanging on for every penny they can get near the end of a seven month saga that could likely go on and on to a year by its conclusion.
Sheikh Jassim is expected to splash the cash if his bid is successful, with a swoop for Paris Saint Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe on the cards, according to reports. United have also been linked with Mbappe’s France international teammate Theo Hernandez, but away from that pair, they continue to be linked with a whole host of players around Europe. Ramsus Hojlund is a major target but his £86m price tag is proving a difficult hurdle for the Red Devils. Moves for England duo Jordan Pickford and Declan Rice have also been mentioned over the past 24 hours, and Kim Min-Jae is also an option to fill the center back position.
Erik ten Hag and the rest of United’s staff will want the takeover situation to be resolved soon, which is proving to be a distraction, and according to reports, PSG are willing and ready to do a lot of business with Manchester United if Sheikh Jassim comes out on top in his battle with Ratcliffe.
United Coach, Erik ten Hag is desperate for a top striker to spearhead their return to the land of the living, but have already reportedly pulled out of a move for Tottenham’s Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen at the moment, due to the uncertainty surrounding the future of the club.
Goalkeeper, David De Gea is set to leave Man Utd this summer after more than a decade with the club. The Spanish star is a free agent this summer, and is expected to leave after being left off the club’s retained list for 2023-24.
While the official line coming out of Old Trafford is that talks remain open, it is believed De Gea is unwilling to take a reduction on his massive salary (believed to be £375,000 per week). There’s a list of players that could also be on their way out, including Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay, Van De Beek and probably Antony Martial as well, but it all depends on the plans after the takeover.
