June 30 2023 marks the end of the contract of David de Gea. A bigger Manchester United-related story is brewing on that date than De Gea's future.
The words 'Football Club' were removed from the United crest 25 years ago and this week is key for Manchester United Plc.
Today, the club will publish its results for the third quarter to March 31 2023 at 12pm UK time. On Wednesday, there is the annual general meeting (AGM) of shareholders in New York. Finally, Friday - June 30 - marks the end of the fourth quarter of 2023. Ie. the balance sheet date for full-year accounts.
The suggestion has been that for the 12 board members (six of them Glazer siblings), the accountants, the lawyers, advisers etc. it would be logical to delay any announcement of a sale of United or new investment at the club until after June 30 2023.
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Financial sources say any possible takeover beyond June would ensure its disclosure is not part of the third quarter results and is not discussed at the AGM. The disclosure would only be required as a subsequent event in the annual report of the full-year accounts and the 20-F Annual Report.
The cut-off date has also been cited as one of the possible reasons why United have not agreed to grant exclusivity in the sale process, as it would require public disclosure to investors. Exclusivity has not been granted to Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani, contrary to a report on June 15.
City figures have suggested it is possibly convenient for United not to complete any signings until after June 30 so they would not impact the club's full-year financial statements.
United have also not completed any player transactions for incomings or outgoings, though they have had three offers rejected for the Chelsea playmaker Mason Mount.
Well-placed sources say United football director John Murtough's "hands are tied" due to a tight budget that has enforced a precise bidding structure. United have refused to meet Chelsea's demand of £58million plus £7m in add-ons for Mount.
The Manchester Evening News reported in February Joel and Avram Glazer, the United co-chairmen, are "reluctant sellers". Joel Glazer has not attended a United match since the Champions League quarter-final defeat to Barcelona at Old Trafford in April 2019.
Avram, Bryan and Edward Glazer were all present for the FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City at Wembley on June 3. Kevin and Darcie Glazer-Kassewitz also sit on the board. Sources say "different family members want different things".
Sheikh Jassim and Ineos founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe have submitted multi-billion pound offers to buy United after the Glazer family announced a strategic review on November 22.
Figures close to Sheikh Jassim say there have been "no significant developments".
