Extending the bidding process for Manchester United for Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have more time to bid for Manchester United after Wednesday’s deadline was extended in the club’s second round of bidding.

The only bidders to announce an interest in United had to submit their second round bids before the Wednesday deadline of 9pm UK (5pm ET).

Many other proposals for investments were submitted before the deadline.

US hedge fund Elliott Investment Management has announced its interest in providing financing for the acquisition. They made a bid for possible financing to the Glazer family, should the club not be sold.

Initial bids from Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are not believed to have exceeded £5 billion ($6.14 billion) for United during the February 17 round one deadline.

A delegation representing Sheikh Jassim visited Old Trafford last Thursday as United opened their doors to potential buyers to investigate senior officials from the club’s hierarchy.

The Qatari emir, who is the son of the former prime minister and chairman of Qatari bank QIB, is said to be a lifelong Manchester United fan. He was not present at the talks, but the party included Shehzad Shahbaz, head of the Sheikh Jassim Nine Foundation, and Fadi Bakhos, his senior personal advisor.

Ratcliffe, owner and founder of petrochemicals giant Ineos, attended in person on Friday and was joined by his most trusted Manchester aides as they were given a glimpse inside the club’s walls.

Sir David Brailsford, a former British cycling executive who is now Director of Sport at INEOS, was among those to join Ratcliffe at Old Trafford and then the club’s Carrington training base.

Both sides have been encouraged to make second bids for the club as they look to take over from the Glazers, who have confirmed they are open to selling United in November. There is no guarantee that Glazer will be sold.

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