Glazer family hand Manchester United shameless blow after Sir Jim Ratcliffe sale

The Manchester United sale process has been one of the hottest topics over the last 14 months after the club was initially put up for sale in November 2022.

The Glazer family, owners of the club, announced that they would be holding a “strategic review” for alternative forms of investment into Manchester United, prompting a very drawn-out sale process.

It has caused a great deal of uncertainty over the last year for Erik ten Hag and his squad, with the Glazer family eventually settling on a 25 per cent deal with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, where INEOS will take over all sporting control of Old Trafford.

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As per The Athletic, the Glazers financed the services of 56 lawyers throughout the takeover ordeal using United’s funds rather than their own personal finances.

Manchester United reportedly engaged the services of Lathan & Watkins LLP, the same legal firm that had previously assisted TeamViewer in their front-of-shirt sponsorship deal starting in 2021.

Although the Glazers are reportedly willing to cover the expenses for the “personal advice” they received during the protracted process, Manchester United will bear the costs associated with the legal firm’s counsel.

The exact amount spent on legal fees during the Glazers’ evaluation of sale options following the strategic review announcement is yet to be disclosed – but the information is anticipated to be revealed in the club’s forthcoming financial accounts, which are expected to encompass fees from financial advisors as well.

It is fairly unanimously agreed that the sale process took much longer than it needed to, with the Glazers completely unable to make a firm decision for 14 months after they were surprised at the lack of interest in the club.

The hiring of 56 lawyers over the course of 14 months will burn a huge hole in the pocket of the club, and for the family to make United pay for their own lack of action is a shameless act.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is expecting to have his purchase of 25 per cent of the club ratified within the next four weeks and spoke to the media ahead of United’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.

“I am very excited to be here,” Ratcliffe said on Sunday afternoon.

“I have met Erik (ten Hag), obviously, but it would be inappropriate to (say anything) until it’s all formalised.”

Ratcliffe, who said he plans to attend “quite a lot of games,” said he has dreamed of owning United for a few years. “It’s taken a few turns along the road, but it all turned out well in the end,” he said.