10 April 2023 , 22:03
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Bidders in the race for Manchester United have grown frustrated over the Glazer family's lack of updates, it has been claimed.
The Glazers put the club up for sale back in November, with interested parties given until the new year to prepare opening bids. A second round of bidding has since opened, with English businessman Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani among those active in the process.
With Raine Group overseeing the proposed sale, potential bidders were given extensions over their second bids. These arrived in March, though, and the interested parties are still waiting to see what comes next.
According to The Mail, bidders had expected to hear back within a week after lodging their second bids. Follow-ups are expected in the coming days, but time it said to remain of the essence.
There had been suggestions earlier in the season that the sale could move quickly enough to leave new owners in position for the summer transfer window. However, with less than two months of the current campaign remaining, bidders are still waiting for a conclusion.
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Amid suggestions the current bids fall short of the Glazers' asking price, there remains a chance the owners could remain in place. There have also been suggestions the American family will keep a stake in the club while taking investment from a new party, and it is unclear what this would mean for United's plans in the summer window.
How will the Man Utd takeover process pan out? Have your say in the comments section
The Glazer family could yet remain at the helm (AFP via Getty Images)On the pitch, United continue to push for a top four finish. A weekend victory over Everton kept them in a strong position in the chase for Champions League qualification, while Erik ten Hag's side also have the opportunity to qualify for the competition by winning this season's Europa League.
Ten Hag's performance as manager prompted the Manchester United Supporters' Trust to urge any potential new owner to guarantee the Dutchman's future. "Everyone can see the progress the team is making under Erik Ten Hag," a statement from MUST in February read.
"After the frustrations of the last decade, it is clear that enormous strides are being taken. Any prospective bidder needs to explicitly commit to backing Erik and his plans to restore United to glory."
Former Ajax manager Ten Hag was at the helm for a summer of big spending, and was backed to identify and land his preferred targets including Lisandro Martinez and Antony. The on-field success this term means many fans would be pleased to see Ten Hag backed in the market for a second straight summer window as United boss, and a new owner could well help ensure more funds.