UNCOVERED: Why Glazers may delay selling Man Utd

With Saudi government chief and boxing promoter Turki Al-Sheikh announcing talks are now underway between United and a potential buyer, it's been suggested any formal sale is unlikely to happen until February 2027.

That's when majority owners, the Glazers, as part of their agreement with minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, will be free to negotiate their asking price without concern.

While a drag-along clause came into effect in August, the Athletic says another clause exists which states Ratcliffe will be due the same price he paid for his 27.7 per cent shareholding should the Glazers sell up.

That option expires in February 2027, with it claimed the Glazers may wait until then so to negotiate a price without interference.