As long as the Glazers are gone, Manchester United supporters will just be happy when the takeover process is finally complete.
However, there’s a chance that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s proposal won’t grant such relief because he reportedly plans to let Avram and Joel Glazer continue as minor shareholders. It could be the explanation for why some people think Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani is the preferable choice.
Despite the fact that his background doesn’t make sense, his ambition to own 100% of the club and his promise to use his Nine Two Foundation to pay off the enormous debt make things simple.
Should his bid succeed, Qatari financier Sheikh Jassim will also be subjected to the same justifiable criticisms about domestic human rights issues leveled against the Saudi owners of Newcastle.
It is appropriate to call attention to and inquire about them. Amid a domestic cost of living crisis, nothing has been said about INEOS’ increasing oil and gas venture revenues, to avoid any grating parallels.
The murky waters surrounding the takeover procedure are further made worse by their presence. However, the ultimate goal of all United supporters is clear to see: victory on the field.
Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim were very honest in their wish to see this happen in their statement confirming their initial bids.
Sir Jim described his desire to use a “fan-centered approach” to make United “the number one club in the world once again.” This repeated the beat of the promises made just before by Sheikh Jassim.
“The bid plans to return the club to its former glories both on and off the pitch and — most importantly — will seek to place the fans at the heart of Manchester United Football Club once more,” his statement stated.
Erik ten Hag is already making progress in achieving his goals. The response to his motivational speech on the last day, following a top-four finish and a victory in the League Cup final, before another journey to Wembley for the FA Cup final, speaks for itself.
Of course, he has little power over decisions made in the boardroom away from the field. Although the transfer market will open in a few days, the United manager is still unsure of how much money he will have available for transfers this summer.
However, Ten Hag has already established the groundwork for the Reds to build upon in order to reclaim their most cherished glory days after giving them a taste in February. He is currently the most well-liked United manager since Sir Alex Ferguson.
In that regard, the supporters have come together once more, and Ten Hag is beginning to show signs of becoming the replacement Sir Alex had envisioned. Although there is still a way to go, the club can participate in the Champions League again the following year.
For the first time in six years, there is fresh silverware in the trophy case, and it points the way for more to come. Let’s see if supporters can say the same about the owner’s office this summer. United are in good hands in the dugout.
