Who are the 5 serious bidders for Man United ahead of Glazers ‘soft deadline’ next week?

A group of five serious bidders have emerged as the ‘soft deadline’ for the purchase of Manchester United closes in.

That’s according to latest reports from Mike Keegan of the Daily Mail, who has been detailing the developments in regard to the sale of the club, including the interest from a Qatari investment group, who are confident that they will produce the strongest offer to the Glazer family.

Keegan has most recently added that bids have already been submitted ahead of the ‘soft deadline’ next Friday.

Aside from the Qatari interest, there are also intentions from the United States and a public confirmation from British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe that Ineos would entertain a bid.

Those who have signed confidentiality agreements have since been granted access to what is called the ‘data room’ – where details of United’s financials are stored.

The aforementioned report included that multiple parties from Saudi Arabia, which do not include the owners of Newcastle United, have been given such access but it is unclear whether they will move on to make formal offers.

It was announced in November that the ownership at Old Trafford were looking to “explore strategic alternatives”, which include “new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the Company”.

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Keegan has mentioned that there has been interest from over 20 parties for a stake in the club, rather than a full buyout, which gives the Glazers a higher position of power in negotiations.

It is added, however, that those in charge and whoever has provoked interest are well aware of the public backlash that would take place if the Glazers do not complete a full sale of the club. It remains the most likely scenario that a complete takeover is the process that goes ahead.

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United fans have been protesting against their American owners since they took control of the club in 2005.

Despite positive signs under new manager Erik ten Hag, chants and protests against the ownership are still extremely apparent on matchdays at Old Trafford.