Ratcliffe's bid is designed to enable the Glazers to maintain some element of interest in the club, while the Qatari group is targeting a 100 per cent buy-out. Image: Police watch on as Manchester United fans gather outside Old Trafford to protest against the ownership of the club. Picture date: Tuesday June 27, 2023.

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. 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. 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.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. 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.

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. The words 'Football Club' were removed from the United crest 25 years ago and this week is key for Manchester United Plc.

4Q 2022

Revenue for the third quarter was up 11% on the same period in 2022, despite a drop in broadcasting revenue this year because of United's participation in the Europa League rather than the more lucrative Champions League. The protest was organised by fans' group The 1958 and timed to coincide with the launch of the team's new home kit. But fans are growing frustrated over the progress of the process, which started last November when the Glazers announced their intentions to sell. 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.