Manchester United CEO Richard Arnold has admitted that he is unable to provide much of an update on the club’s proposed takeover.
The Glazer family announced last year they would consider outside investment or a full sale of the club.
Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani and INEOS founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe have both fronted offers to take full control of the club, but as of yet neither bid has been accepted.
90min reported earlier this month that Ratcliffe is now open to purchasing a minority stake in United if he cannot take total control immediately.
United held a fans’ forum event earlier this week, and one of the questions put to Arnold was in regards to the potential takeover. However, he was unable to provide too much of an update.
“The club understood the desire for a resolution as soon as possible but reiterated that, as a publicly listed company, it was impossible to provide updates until such a time as there is an outcome that can be communicated to the market,” he said.
When asked if the Glazers are aware of the fans’ desperation for the club to find new owners, Arnold replied: “The club was transparent in its feedback to the owners.”
Speaking at the forum, football director John Murtough revealed that United were investigating the injury crisis that has plagued their season so far, while Arnold defended their recent transfer dealings.
“John Murtough and the team have clear long-term squad strategy in place which guides our decision making in each window. We knew there’d be transition but I share frustration of playing group and fans that results haven’t matched expectations so far,” Arnold said.
