Nearly a year after Manchester United opened to outside ownership, British businessman Jim Ratcliffe appears likely to purchase a 25% interest in the English Premier League club.
A reported £1.3 billion ($1.6 billion) purchase is anticipated to be approved at a United board meeting on Thursday.
However, the fact that the Glazer family will retain control of the club is a massive disappointment to most fans, who were hoping to see the controversial Americans go.
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In a statement, the Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) said It would be wildly optimistic to believe the Glazers are acting in the interests of supporters or making ownership decisions that aren't centered on their priorities.
United's fortunes have deteriorated both on and off the pitch since the Glazers took possession at Old Trafford in a £790 million leveraged takeover in 2005.
During the early years of Glazer's reign, the Red Devils were at the top of the English and European leagues because of the genius of previous manager Alex Ferguson.
On the other hand, United has yet to win the Premier League since Ferguson's retirement in 2013 and last won the Champions League in 2008.
Erik ten Hag's men are 10th in the Premier League and face an embarrassing early Champions League exit after losing their first two group games for the first time this season.
Ratcliffe, the creator of petrochemicals behemoth INEOS, wants to take over the club's football activities in exchange for a significant investment.
However, many people wonder how a minority owner can wield enough power to govern a company's essential operations.
