Manchester United have received a major takeover boost ahead of their game against Nottingham Forest next week.
Forest host United at the City Ground on Wednesday, January 25 in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie. The second leg will then be played at Old Trafford a week later.
Heading into those games, United have been told by billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe that he will be attempting to buy the football club from the Glazer family. Ratcliffe, one of the UK’s richest men, has been linked with a takeover of the Premier League giants after the current owners announced last year they were willing to listen to offers. A spokesperson for Ratcliffe's company Ineos told the PA news agency: “We have formally put ourselves into the process.”
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It remains to be seen whether the news will have an impact on United in the short-term. It could be the case that their staff and players are distracted by the news when they get to the City Ground. Increased media attention will be on the club in the build-up to the game at Old Trafford, too, which could prove a distraction for the Red Devils.
If things do progress quickly, it could also be the case that the Man United camp are buoyed by the prospect of a potential takeover - and will have an extra spring in their step. What is for certain is that their frustrated fan base will be behind their team more than ever, with a takeover of the club on the horizon.
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