12 April 2023 , 05:30
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Gary Neville has labelled the Manchester United takeover process as "shoddy" - with another round of bidding around the corner.
The Glazers put United up for sale in November, but it remains unclear whether ownership of the Premier League club will change hands. Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe are the frontrunners in the takeover saga.
The Glazers have received several offers for United, but none of them have been accepted. A third round of bidding is now expected, leaving Neville worried. The club legend believes it will be "unbearable" for the Glazers if they decided to stay in charge.
As reported by the Daily Mail, a third - and final - round of bidding will take place this month, with a deadline of April 28. The Glazers are said to be holding out for around £6billion for their 69 per cent controlling share in the club.
The successful bidder - if there is one - will also need to invest at least another £1bn to renovate Old Trafford. They will also inherit the club's debt, which is thought to amount to more than £500million. United's Carrington training ground also needs an upgrade.
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The Glazers may sell just a fraction of their shares to bring in new investment. It is believed the Glazer siblings are divided on whether to sell the club. Joel and Avram are open to staying on-board - but Kevin, Bryan, Darcie and Edward are happy to say goodbye.
It's unclear whether the Glazers will actually sell Manchester United (AFP via Getty Images)What do you make of the Manchester United takeover saga? Let us know in the comments below!
It is believed the Glazers are more likely to sell rather than stay in Manchester, but Neville is sceptical. After hearing the news of a third round of bidding, the ex-defender tweeted, "They [the Glazers] are making it up as they go along!
"Shoddy way to run a sale process. They need to get out by end of May to allow the new owner a fighting chance to impact the next transfer window and get moving!"
As co-owner of League Two side Salford, Neville knows a thing or two about running a club. He added, "Taking it to a third round is just classless. The market has obviously not given them the answer they want... If they stay in after all this it will be toxic!"
When asked if he thinks the Glazers will stay at Old Trafford, Neville replied, "No I think they will go eventually as it will be unbearable for them.
"If they do somehow think they can stay in then any new investor that comes in with them as partners need to think seriously about their brand damage."
Neville's opinion aside, Erik ten Hag will be keen for the takeover saga to reach a conclusion before the transfer window opens. The United boss will need a big budget if he is to challenge the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City for the Premier League title next term.