American equity firm Carlyle interested in acquiring minority stake of Manchester United: Reports

Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe are both hoping to take control of the 20-time English league champions and submitted second bids last month.

Carlyle has assets of more than $370bn (£298bn) under management and ranks among the world's largest private equity firms, according to the report.

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American finance investor Carlyle has emerged as a potential party interested in acquiring a minor stake in Manchester United, according to Sky Sports.

Carlyle has assets of more than $370bn (£298bn) under management and ranks among the world’s largest private equity firms, according to the report.

Meanwhile, Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe are both hoping to take control of the 20-time English league champions and submitted second bids last month.

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American investment firm Elliott Management could also take a minority stake as well as provide capital to other potential buyers, with the price possibly rising as high as $6 billion.

Following reports that there will be a third round of bids, the Manchester United Supporters Trust said Thursday the uncertainty was of “great concern.” “Erik needs to know what resources he has to spend so he can make the signings the club needs, and the whole management resources of the club need to be focused on supporting him in that,” MUST said in a statement.

“That cannot be the case with the future ownership so unclear.” United’s American owners announced last November that they would consider selling the club as they explored “strategic alternatives.” That appeared to pave the way for their departure after years of resisting supporters’ attempts to drive them out.

Based on the public bids, Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe appear to be the leading contenders, with the Raine Group merchant bank handling the process.