The 2022 FIFA World Cup was only three days old when the Glazer family announced that they had Manchester United up for sale.
Almost seven months later, the Glazers are yet to make a decision on the club's future. United have become the subject of one of the most long-winded takeover sagas in living memory, meaning frustrations among the fanbase have reached an all-time high.
After a successful 2022/23 campaign on the pitch, United's supporters were meant to look forward to this summer's transfer window with optimism. Instead, they remain in the dark over the future of their club, with the Glazers continuing to remain silent.
Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe are the leading contenders to secure the club, albeit with different plans. Sheikh Jassim, who lodged a fifth and improved bid earlier this week, wants to gain full control of the club while Ratcliffe wants a majority stake, meaning the Glazers would remain involved in some capacity.
One way or another, however, the situation needs to be resolved as quickly as possible. It is not a healthy situation for manager Erik ten Hag to find himself in with the start of the summer transfer window now just days away.
On Wednesday,Sheikh Jassim lodged a fifth and improved bid to buy United. It was widely reported that the offer was a 'take or leave it' offer, highlighting his frustrations at not yet getting a deal over the line. It was also confirmed that the bid was on the table until Friday and that his team would not engage in the process beyond that date. He continues to believe that his bid would be in the club's best interests and would clear nearly £1billion worth of club debt.
