Manchester United owners the Glazers may yet consider Sheikh Jassim as the preferred bidder for the club, according to sport finance expert Dr Dan Plumley.

While it is believed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s offer values the Red Devils at a higher amount, he is only bidding to take a majority stake, rather than a full takeover, and Plumley believes this could yet swing things in Jassim’s favour:

“I think the decisive factor is always simply money when it comes down to it. If not the best offer on the table, it’ll be the one that is slightly preferred based on the finances behind it. If that is the price (£5bn/£6bn) that the Glazers are wanting or at least are willing to sell at for a full takeover, let’s say, my gut feeling on it, and you know you’re always speculating slightly, but I just think the Qatar bid is probably slightly preferred at the minute because it’s a full takeover.”

With the takeover process having taken far longer than anticipated, many supporters will be hoping that the sale of the club gets wrapped up sooner rather than later.

If the new owner is not in place soon, it could cause major problems for manager Erik ten Hag and his plans for the summer transfer window. The Dutchman is undoubtedly keen to make improvements to his squad and there is a danger that he could miss out on key targets if the takeover continues to be delayed.