Former Manchester United player Gary Neville has once again criticized the Glazer family, suggesting that the club’s takeover process has been conducted in a disorganized manner.
Reports indicate that the Glazers announced the sale of United last November, with Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe competing for the acquisition of the club.
The United takeover process has been lengthy and complicated, with potential buyers having to submit multiple offers.
Neither Sheikh Jassim’s Nine Two Foundation nor Ratcliffe’s INEOS will be granted exclusivity due to the unconventional handling of the process.
Many tasks typically associated with a preferred bidder have already been completed by both groups. As a result, neither Sheikh Jassim nor Ratcliffe currently holds exclusive or preferred bidder status.
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The Glazer family intends to position both parties to finalize the deal before making a decision on the club’s sale. Similarly, minority investors like Carlyle are following the same approach.
It is also worth noting that the option of the Glazers retaining ownership of the club remains a possibility, resulting in a “no sale” scenario.
Neville slammed the American family for their energy-draining approach to the entire takeover situation. As reported by the Manchester Evening News, he said:
“Honestly, I think everyone has got the point whereby what the Glazers do, they erode every little last bit of energy out of everything that they do. The fans have had enough, they want them out and I think to be fair – it’s sad, really, that it’s come to that but that’s exactly how I think everybody feels.”
“They know nothing about Manchester or the north-west of England and the tradition of football in this part. They have not embedded themselves in the local culture.”
The Glazer family has maintained a secretive approach throughout the majority of the sale process, which has led to frustration among interested parties and the United fans.
This lack of transparency has left potential buyers and supporters seeking clarity. In terms of on-pitch performance, it has been a decade since Man United last won the Premier League title.
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Since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson as manager in 2013, the club has not been able to challenge strongly for the league trophy.
However, there were signs of progress during the 2022/23 season, with United winning the Carabao Cup, reaching the FA Cup final, and securing a third-place finish in the Premier League, which ensured their return to the Champions League.
