Thomas Zilliacus has appealed for the Glazers to engage in takeover negotiations just days after appearing to pull out of the race for Manchester United.
The Finnish businessman was previously in the running alongside Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe. However, he made an announcement on Wednesday that he did not intend to lodge a bid in the third round of offers being orchestrated by the Raine Group.
Taking to Twitter, he wrote: “I have declined participation in a third bidding round for United. The bidding is turning into a farce, with Glazers giving no respect to the club. The delays will make it very difficult for any new owner to build a winning team for next season.”
Despite taking that decision, the 69-year-old has now insisted he is still interested in succeeding the Glazers at Old Trafford - but only if they engage in serious talks. Speaking to the BBC ’s How To Buy A Football Club podcast, Zilliacus said: "My earlier offer still stands and I am willing to pay a premium above what I offered.
"I'm not going to be participating in a third round because I find it highly unprofessional. I see no reason whatsoever why a third round is basically starting the whole thing from scratch.
"It seems odd to me that, if there is a genuine will to sell and you have three serious bidders, why you don't sit down with the bidders, discuss and negotiate and hopefully come to a number that everyone can agree."
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Meanwhile, a further statement from his Twitter account read: “To clear out any misunderstanding: my bid for Manchester United is still on the table. I am ready to meet with the sellers to negotiate a mutually acceptable price. I however will not go back to scratch and start a new bidding process. That is not necessary nor professional.”
Amid the ongoing process at Old Trafford, there is growing concern that the Glazers could remain in situ. The Americans announced an intent to sell back in November but little progress has been made since.
It is thought that none of the interested parties would match the £6billion asking price. Red Devils’ icon Gary Neville has regularly shared his fear that the Glazers could potentially stay since the initial announcement.
Zilliacus, speaking out on the Glazers’ current ownership, has suggested that the squad at Erik ten Hag ’s disposal could be neglected should they stay with the club for the foreseeable future.
"I can't see the Glazers spending a lot of money on new players," he added. "If they have decided to sell the club, why would they do that?
"The potential to have a negative impact on the club is big and is growing every day when there is no decision on this."
