Speculation about a potential new takeover at Manchester United has been building over the past week or two.
It’s getting close to two years since Sir Jim Ratcliffe spent £1.2bn to acquire just under 29% of the club, giving him full control over sporting decisions.
His first year was far from smooth, and the British billionaire remains under scrutiny as United continues to struggle on the pitch.
Recently, Turki Al-Sheikh added fuel to the takeover talk on social media by claiming a deal was already in “advanced stages”.
The Glazers still hold most of the shares at Old Trafford, but there are growing signs that another takeover story might be about to unfold.
Glazers could be eyeing Man United sale before 2027
The Ineos deal includes drag-along rights, allowing the Glazers to compel Ratcliffe to sell if a suitable offer comes in.
The clause had an 18-month exclusivity period, which has since expired. The Glazers can now entertain new takeover offers, as long as they match the $33 per share that Ratcliffe paid in 2024.
That minimum price agreement between Ratcliffe and the Glazers is set to expire in February 2027. Journalist Laurie Whitwell recently discussed why the Glazers might look to move before that date.
Speaking on the Talk of the Devils podcast, Whitwell said: “Some people will now say that it’s in the Glazers’ interest before February to get a new deal in place with somebody else because that creates competitive tension and they get a higher price for their shares.
“But also after that point, why would anybody want to buy the club now, because there is this automatic minimum there, so why wouldn’t they just wait until February 2027?
“So maybe all this kind of chatter, is it because the Glazers want to – I don’t know, I’m theorizing here – but there’s a world where they could want to get some interest around it to get something going before that deadline.
“After that, they might not be able to get the same kind of price. It’s a fascinating dynamic.”
Man United share price jumps as fresh takeover talk swirls
There’s a growing sense that the current ownership situation at United won’t last much longer, with Ratcliffe or another potential buyer expected to eventually take full control from the Glazers.
The recent buzz, including rumours of UAE investment, has already made an impact on the stock market.
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire noted that United’s share price on the New York Stock Exchange has surged since talks of a takeover started again, increasing the club’s value by $290 million.
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The Glazers reportedly value United at around £5bn and seem keen to generate interest in a sale before the 2027 deadline comes into play.
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