Man Utd takeover bid spurned by Ricketts family

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By Martin Graham | 10th Feb 2023

Reports suggest that a group that came close to a Chelsea takeover is uninterested in Manchester United. The Glazers are open to a takeover deal for Manchester United.

Owners of football clubs seem to be feeling the weight of the financial crunch and are looking for a way out. Many clubs are keen on selling or getting partners to co-share their responsibilities.

After Roman Abramovich was muscled out of Chelsea following the Russia/Ukraine war, there have been more indications of club sales.

Newcastle United was also sold, with the Toons taken over by Saudi interests. It seems to be the current trend as finances have become a delicate affair in football.

At Manchester United, the Glazers may be tired of the financial crunch bedevilling the Red Devils and are open to a partnership or a complete takeover deal.

With the Glazers open to a sale, reports are rife of several interested parties. Manchester United represents massive potential, but the Ricketts family are not interested in taking over the affairs of the Old Trafford side.

Ricketts family uninterested in a potential takeover bid of Man United

The Glazers, who own Manchester United, are still interested in a possible takeover. They expect to receive takeover offers this month, but the Ricketts family will not be among those making an offer.

The takeover of Chelsea last year sparked widespread interest from some of the wealthiest billionaires, with the Ricketts family among those attempting to take over at Stamford Bridge.

They were one of the final four shortlisted bids but withdrew from the process. With United up for sale, it has created another opportunity for a multi-billion-pound takeover in the Premier League.

In November, the Glazers confirmed that they were open to selling United. In a statement by the Man United owners, they claim they will evaluate all options to ensure that Man United maximizes the significant growth opportunities available to them today and in the future.

The statement continued that the process will remain committed to serving the best interests of the fans, shareholders, and various stakeholders. There has been mass interest from several parties from the Middle East to US-led consortiums.

Ricketts disinterest and others involved

There were reports of a potential takeover from Dubai, but the news was untrue. However, a Qatar-linked investment group is reportedly in the works.

According to the report, several US-financier-led consortiums have already made private commitments to participate in the bidding process.

The Ricketts family will not be among those looking to buy Manchester United. Their bid for Chelsea last year sparked widespread outrage and fan backlash, with the hashtag #notoricketts trending on social media.

Several Chelsea supporters even demonstrated against the bid before their game against Brentford last year. In their attempt to purchase Chelsea, the Ricketts family collaborated with US billionaires Ken Griffin and Dan Gilbert.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a British billionaire, is the only person who has publicly expressed an interest in a United takeover. However, The Telegraph claim that US bidders and a mystery Arabic investment group are leading the running.