<\/p>\n
Bidders including Sir Jim Ratcliffe\u2019s Ineos and Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani have moved to the next stage of the process that could lead to a takeover of Manchester United.<\/p>\n
This part will involve access to data room information and give bidders an opportunity to conduct due diligence.<\/p>\n
It is expected it could be a slow process as bidders pore over the details of the club\u2019s commercial contracts.<\/p>\n
Sheikh Jassim and Ineos both confirmed their offers to purchase United from the Glazer family last month and are the only bidders to have gone public.<\/p>\n
Sources close to wealthy banker Sheikh Jassim insist he is bidding alone as a private individual, without any direct or indirect support from the Qatari state or the country\u2019s sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority.<\/p>\n
The Manchester United Supporters\u2019 Trust has expressed concerns around multi-club ownership \u2013 Qatar Sports Investments controls Paris St Germain \u2013 and around human rights.<\/p>\n
Sheikh Jassim has indicated his bid would leave the Old Trafford club debt free.<\/p>\n
Ratcliffe, a self-proclaimed United fan, is one of the UK\u2019s wealthiest people with an estimated net worth of \u00a312.5billion following the success of his global chemical company.<\/p>\n
A statement from Ineos last month read: \u201cWe would see our role as the long-term custodians of Manchester United on behalf of the fans and the wider community.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are ambitious and highly competitive and would want to invest in Manchester United to make them the number one club in the world once again.\u201d<\/p>\n