In a recent interview, well-known journalist Ben Jacobs talked about many insider information about Manchester United's potential investment, new stadium construction plans and the January transfer window.
Can you reveal more about the recent investment rumors in the UAE and the positions of Glazer and Ratcliffe?
When Turki-Sheikh first revealed that there might be some progress, the complete lack of reaction from the stock market was a clear indication that experts did not believe him. Within the UAE, there is one specific company involved in these talks; it is unclear whether they will lead the consortium, but the international holding company, which has been around for about 30 years, has been involved in talks to form a potential UAE consortium. We don't know if there will be any substantial results.
The Glazer family did not receive any offers from anyone. Is it possible that they are negotiating behind the backs of others at the club? Absolutely possible. Are there any progress in the negotiations? No. I think Ratcliffe is very calm because he still believes that if the Glazers were to sell, he would be the first to be told, and he has not been notified yet.
Regarding the construction of the new stadium, what is the current time plan? There seem to be different narratives
I've heard different messages, and people on the architect side and on the Ineos side really feel that because this is a Trafford regeneration scheme that involves so many stakeholders working together, they can do it super fast. Others believe 7 to 8 years is a normal timeline and that there will be obstacles, whether from stakeholders, residents, planning permissions or ultimately funding issues.
In a recent major development, Manchester United are now optimistic that they can reach an agreement for the land around Old Telford and once they have the land, they can start liaising with all stakeholders to start construction of the stadium.
Based on my experience covering other stadiums in the past, after you see the shiny new design, it sometimes takes a year or two before you see any movement. Behind the scenes, you'll slowly gain stakeholder support, funding and planning permission to assemble your construction team. Once that's all in place, you can start announcing when you're going to break ground, and from that point on, actual construction can take anywhere from 3 to 5 years.
What can you look forward to in the upcoming January transfer window?
In the January transfer window, a surprising name may appear in some form. As for players like Walton, Stiller, and Baleba, as far as I know, the possibility of their transfer in January is zero.