Manchester United have reportedly suspended certain commercial operations behind the scenes ahead of meetings with investors as the club’s takeover process continues.
As things stand, the two main investors that have expressed an interest in taking over the club from the Glazer family are Sir Jim Ratcliffe and a Qatari-based consortium led by Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Following the soft deadline set by the Glazers for any potential bids to come in, it has since been reported that the interested investors think that the current owners are unsure over they want to relinquish full control of the club or not.
Now though, some fresh behind-the-scenes details have come to light regarding a potential takeover and other business ventures the club are involved in.
According to a recent report from Football Insider, United’s commercial department will not sign off on any major new sponsorship deals while uncertainty over the club’s future ownership remains.
The report also adds that United are on the hunt for a new front-of-shirt partner after agreeing to buy back their rights from TeamViewer earlier this season and that while the commercial department are continuing to court potential new sponsors, the ultimate decision will rest with the new owners should the Glazer family decide to sell.
Earlier this week, it was also reported that the takeover process is set to take its next step forward, with representatives of the Qatari consortium and Ratcliffe set to hold meetings with US bankers, the Raine Group.
Who would you rather have take control of Man United?
The Qatari consortium
Sir Jim Ratcliffe
With that in mind and this latest report suggesting that the club have put their search for a new shirt sponsor on hold, this should be a positive update for the United supporters if it takes them a step closer to a takeover.
You only need to consider the numerous protests made against the Glazers and a survey run by The Athletic revealing that 98% of voters would want a full takeover taking place to understand why.