Manchester United takeover saga: Ratcliffe’s winning secrets over Sheikh Jassim revealed

The hope of Manchester United takeover has left many fans of the Old Trafford club in excitement as most of them have been eager to see the back of the Glazer family.

And while majority of the Red Devils faithfuls have wished for Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani to emerge successful as his reign will finally put an end to the presence of the Glazer family around Old Trafford, the claims reaching National Daily reveals that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly flown to New York to hold face-to-face talks with Manchester United representatives over the past month in an effort to win the takeover race.

After seven months the United takeover saga has entered what it hoped to be the final phase, with the Glazer family close to deciding between INEOS chief Ratcliffe and Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani. Qatari reports earlier in the week suggested Sheikh Jassim had been successful with his bid for 100 per cent of the club, only for the claims to be rowed back from.

National Daily understands that excitement was at its peak again on Thursday when a company called ‘Nine Two Holdings Limited’ was registered with Companies House in Sheikh Jassim’s name. The speculation caused a major spike in the share price of Manchester United on the New York Stock Exchange, with trading temporarily suspended amid claims the Qatari group were in talks over gaining exclusivity.

It has since emerged that both parties are still in the running, with the Glazers and Raine Group – the US merchant banker in charge of the prolonged process – still pondering the bids. It is understood that, when a decision is finally forthcoming, a long period of exclusive talks won’t be necessary because all parties have completed their due diligence.

Despite the increasing noise surrounding the process, Ratcliffe and his INEOS group are still quietly confident of succeeding with The Telegraph reporting that Ratcliffe is ‘known to have flown to New York for talks within the past month’ in an effort to try and increase his chances.

His presence at such talks comes in stark contrast to Sheikh Jassim, who sent representatives to Manchester to meet executives, tour facilities and conduct due diligence earlier in the year rather than attend himself.

And with the takeover saga having lasted for about 206 days since the Glazers announced their intentions to “explore strategic alternatives” for United on November 22, patience is beginning to wear thin for many of the parties involved. That was evident last week when Sheikh Jassim declared he would not participate in the process beyond his fifth and final offer.

The Red Devils fans around the globe can only wish for the best namely, swift takeover process to facilitate successful transfer business this summer.