By Kieran Maguire

8th Oct, 2023 | 11:15am

Kieran Maguire: New Man United takeover twist is 'worst of both worlds' for fans

Sir Jim Ratcliffe not taking control of Man United until 2026 would be the ‘worst’ option for the club’s supporters.

That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who spoke exclusively to Football Insider about the prospect of a gradual sale of the Manchester club.

As revealed by Football Insider, Ratcliffe’s latest takeover offer to the Glazers would see him take majority control of the club in 2026.

The British billionaire would secure a minority stake in the Red Devils which would incrementally increase until he had voting power at Old Trafford in three years’ time.

The reformed bid comes after reports that Joel and Avram Glazer want to retain a stake in the club if a takeover deal is agreed.

While Ratcliffe is willing to adapt his takeover bid, Sheikh Jassim’s Qatar group is still pursuing a full 100 per cent takeover of the Manchester giants.

Maguire believes it would be best for all parties involved if there was a ‘clean break’ so that the Glazers don’t continue to ‘haunt’ the club.

“The part acquisition of Man United by INEOS to a certain extent appears to be the worst of both worlds for fans,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.

“The Glazers get immediate cash which makes them happy and Sir Jim Ratcliffe only gets 25 per cent of the club so he can’t control any decision-making.

“Man United would still have the spectre of the Glazers still haunting the club for another three years.

“So it is difficult to see why this approach would be taken.

“It would make much more sense for all parties involved if there was a clean break.

“However, whether that is through INEOS or Sheikh Jassim is still yet to be decided.“

In other news, Man United plan to sign defender in January – duo to be sold