Manchester United have been focused on explaining the Glazer family’s valuation of the club as they meet potential buyers and investors after being disappointed by initial expressions of interest, sources told ESPN.
United is making presentations to representatives of Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who have indicated they are interested in a full takeover at Old Trafford.
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Indicative offers made ahead of Raine Group’s flexible deadline fell below Glazer’s valuation of around £6bn, but meetings with potential buyers attempted to explain how they arrived at that price, particularly highlighting the global fan base. of the club compared to Premier League rivals Manchester. City, Liverpool and Chelsea.
Sources close to Sheikh Jassim have indicated that he will not overpay for the club out of the belief that major investment will be needed to improve Old Trafford and Carrington’s training base, as well as to build a team capable of consistently competing in the Premier League and Champions League. .
The consortium led by Ratcliffe, chairman and chief executive of chemical company INEOS, also values United at below £6bn.
After the second stage of the process, which could conclude by the end of the week, interested parties will be asked to submit revised offers.
Sources close to the process told ESPN that Raine has prioritized consortia interested in full acquisitions, but meetings have also been held with groups only interested in smaller investments.
Elliott Investment Management is among the US-based hedge funds that made it through to the second stage of the process with representatives attending the Europa League tie against Real Betis last week.
Elliott doesn’t want to buy the club but is offering investment, either to outside bidders or to the Glazer family if they decide to stay on as owners.
Sources told ESPN that the Glazer family, which has owned United since 2005, is keeping its options open.
They released a statement in November announcing that they were looking at “strategic alternatives,” which could include a full sale or accepting outside investment.
Sources told ESPN that club staff have been told there should be “clarity” on the ownership situation before the end of the season.
Meanwhile, United hope to run out of alejandro garnacho for several weeks after he suffered an ankle injury in a 0-0 draw with Southampton on Sunday.
Garnacho left Old Trafford on crutches and wearing a protective boot. Sources told ESPN that the striker suffered an ankle ligament injury. He is still being evaluated by the club’s medical staff, but he has already withdrawn from the Argentina squad ahead of his next international matches.
