Erik ten Hag kept his responses short and not particularly sweet when asked about Manchester United’s takeover situation this week. The Red Devils boss is reported to be frustrated with the drawn-out saga, which has shrouded the club in uncertainty heading into the new season.
It has now been well over eight months since the Glazers acknowledged that they were exploring strategic alternatives behind the scenes. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani have each submitted offers which value the club at around £5billion.
But United’s unpopular owners, along with Raine Group – the bank handling the process – have left the two key takeover hopefuls waiting in silence for weeks. With fans longing for updates, Ten Hag remained coy on the situation ahead of his side’s pre-season clash with Wrexham.
When quizzed on whether he had spoken to Avram Glazer following the friendly win over Arsenal on Saturday, Ten Hag said: “Afterwards, I didn’t speak any more with him after the game.”
And when asked whether he had spoken to his brother, Joel Glazer, he replied: “No. When I want to, I can reach them.” United fans are invariably keen to see the back of their billionaire owners, with protests staged frequently in recent years.
But there remains the lingering possibility that Joel and Avram could stick around at Old Trafford, with the upcoming expansion of the Champions League and the Club World Cup promising new revenue opportunities.
“We have strengthened the midfield department,” he said. “You have the keeper situation and we sorted that out. Now we want the front player in and then we will see what happens.
“From quantity, I’m sure we have enough players to cover [the season]. And so I’m also happy with the development of some academy players. And also we need positions free that they have the opportunity to deserve their position.”
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