Sheikh Jassim ups bid for Manchester United takeover to £5.5bn

The potential takeover of Manchester United has been a hot topic, with several bids being made before the Wednesday deadline.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani are the top contenders for the takeover, with Sheikh Jassim poised to increase his offer to £5.5 billion.

While Ratcliffe has also upped his bid, it is not believed to have gone as high as Sheikh Jassim’s.

Manchester United executives were impressed by the sporting expertise outlined by Ratcliffe’s INEOS sports group during meetings, which included former cycling chief Sir Dave Brailsford.

If INEOS ends up as the club’s next owners, Brailsford will be tasked with overhauling United’s sporting structure.

Sources believe that INEOS’ familiarity with running elite sports teams will give them an advantage over Sheikh Jassim’s bid.

Meanwhile, manager Erik ten Hag is already looking ahead to the summer transfer window and plotting a strong start to the season.