According to Cricket Exchange reports, Manchester United’s long-running takeover saga has hit yet another delay, with completion now unlikely before the start of the new Premier League season. The Glazer family, who currently own the club, continue to drag their feet, turning the word “indefinite” into a lifestyle. Although bidding began back in November last year, the process is still far from over. As the saying goes, never regret what once made you smile—yet this drawn-out affair is testing the patience of fans and investors alike.

Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe remain locked in a waiting game, both vying for the status of preferred bidder. While Cricket Exchange sources indicate that the Qatari billionaire is inching closer to victory—Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand even claimed Jassim’s arrival at Old Trafford is imminent—conflicting reports from his camp paint a less optimistic picture. For now, manager Erik ten Hag’s squad is preparing for their season opener against Wolves with no clarity on who will sign the checks.

Even if a preferred bidder is selected soon, the regulatory approval process could take up to 10 weeks. While Jassim’s final bid has created buzz, Ratcliffe—who was born in Manchester—remains a strong contender. A silver lining for both fans and Ten Hag is that the takeover saga won’t affect this summer’s transfer plans. However, looming uncertainties still cast a shadow over the squad, particularly concerning David De Gea’s expiring contract.

With less than two weeks remaining on his deal, De Gea’s teammates are reportedly in the dark about his future. United declined to trigger his one-year extension option, as doing so would have raised his salary significantly upon reentry into the Champions League. If De Gea refuses a pay cut, he could walk away for free, leaving United with no transfer fee and a new hole in their wage budget—potentially affecting funds for a new striker. Club insiders are divided: some want the 32-year-old keeper gone, while others advocate for his retention. Talks with top management are ongoing.

Meanwhile, United’s efforts to offload players and raise funds have stalled. Not a single outgoing transfer has been finalized. High earners like Harry Maguire and Anthony Martial have struggled to attract buyers, while more sellable assets like Scott McTominay are being kept for now. As Cricket Exchange analysts point out, given United’s poor track record in selling players, hoping to fund a world-class striker by clearing the bench may be a pipe dream. After all, with tomorrow always on the horizon, today remains just the starting line.