Sir Jim Ratcliffe's £5bn Manchester United bid includes clause to oust Glaser

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is waiting to see if the Glazers will sell him to Manchester United. Credit: AFP/Valery Hache

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is proposing a deal that would force the Glazers to leave in three years if he wins the battle for control of Manchester United, it turns out.

The billionaire, believed to be founder of petrochemical giant Ineos, proposed an option in his £5bn takeover bid that would allow the Glazers to retain a minority stake in Old Trafford. , if triggered, would pave the way for the full exit of the Glazers in 2026.

The option, first reported by Sky News, would either force the Glazers to sell their remaining shares or force Ratcliffe to buy out them by certain dates in the future.

It is understood that Ratcliffe's original offer, under which Ineos would buy out the entire 69% stake in the Glazers if accepted, also stands. during the protests against the game against Aston Villa last Sunday, and for many, any prospect of the Glazers remaining, even in a weakened capacity for a period, is likely to be taken dimly. .

The Glazers' 18-year reign was wildly unpopular, with over £1bn of the club's coffers spent servicing the highly leveraged American financial structure.

Ratcliffe and his main rival at United, the Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, who wants to buy 100% of the club's shares in a debt-free takeover that, if successful, will end the Glazers' involvement, are waiting to know if the owners will sell them to either of them.

A number of US investment firms have also made minority investment proposals that could allow the Glazers to maintain their involvement. Joel and Avram Glazer, co-chairs of United, are seen as less willing sellers than their four siblings, Kevin, Brian, Edward and Darcy.

Third and final bidders Rein, the merchant bank managing the process , last Friday's week — hoping for some clarity on the situation next week.

The summer transfer window is due to open in just over a month and the clock is ticking for the Glazers. make a decision after a protracted six-month process.

United manager Erik ten Hag faces a responsible second summer but admitted he was still in the dark about his buying power in the window this week.< /p

On Sunday, United will take on West Ham at the London Stadium, knowing that victory will be another major step towards qualifying for the Champions League next season.