Manchester United takeover battle intensifies as increased bids are made

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim submit improved offers but the bids may still be below Glazers’ asking price of £5bn to £6bn

BIDS MADE: A general view of the corner flag on the pitch ahead of the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Picture date: Wednesday February 8, 2023.

The battle to take over Manchester United has intensified after Ineos owner Jim Ratcliffe and Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani both submitted improved bids shortly before Wednesday night’s 9pm deadline.

While both sides were keeping the size of their offers close to their chests – and not commenting publicly due to a strict non-disclosure agreement all parties have had to sign – it is widely expected that they will top the highest first-round bid, which was believed to be approximately £4.5bn.