Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group has submitted an offer to take a controlling stake in Manchester United, which includes a demand for immediate control of transfers from the moment a deal is reached. This offer is reportedly higher than Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani’s third and final bid to take full ownership of the club. The Glazers are unlikely to accept demands of complete control until the entire process is finalized, but both Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim’s offers reportedly ask for some degree of influence from the moment their offer is accepted. This could suggest that both bidders are preparing for the takeover process to extend beyond the end of the season and into the summer, with the transfer window opening on 10 June.
United are planning to make major signings this summer, with Harry Kane the club’s first choice for a new no. 9 and Victor Osimhen also among the options being considered. Erik ten Hag has stated that the club needs “quality players who improve the front line” and that Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford can also play as a number nine. The club is also looking to move on a number of players to comply with financial fair play regulations, with Harry Maguire, Dean Henderson, Brandon Williams, Anthony Elanga, Eric Bailly and Alex Telles all expected to leave.