Manchester United takeover: Who is in contention to buy the club?

The Red Devils could be under new ownership heading into next season

According to the Daily Mail tabloid on Tuesday, which cited unidentified sources, Qatari investors intend to make a sizable offer to purchase Premier League team Manchester United. A "collection of private, high-wealth individuals" from Qatar, the country that hosted the 2022 World Cup, were referred to in the study as the investors.

According to a further story from the Mirror, the consortium plans to make the "blockbuster" offer public within the next few days and will include a sizeable cash package to aid coach Erik ten Hag in his goal of raising the club's standing.

After United's US owners, the Glazer family, said in November that they had started considering their options, including additional investment or a potential sale, Jim Ratcliffe's company Ineos formally entered the bidding process to purchase United last month. Last month, Bloomberg News claimed that Manchester United or its rivals Liverpool were under consideration for a whole takeover by Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), the company that owns Paris St. Germain (PSG).

Since the team last won a trophy in 2017, when it won the Europa League and League Cup, United supporters have been calling for a change in ownership, and the Glazers have come under harsh criticism. Numerous demonstrators gathered in front of Old Trafford in April, waving flares and chanting, "Get the Glazers out of the club!"

Another point of controversy among supporters is United's net debt. Which by September had risen to 515 million pounds ($620.42 million). Erik ten Hag's club has 42 points after 21 games, good for third place in the league. Yhree points behind Manchester City but eight points behind league-leading Arsenal, who have played one fewer game.

The group is distinct from the Qataris who are eager to invest in Liverpool, and it's possible that by the summer, both teams may be controlled by citizens of the Gulf state. Although they have already contacted the Raine Group, who is handling the transaction on behalf of the Glazers, the group interested in purchasing United has not yet begun the phase of due diligence.

The Glazer family wants to recoup about $10 billion from the sale of the club.