But club legend Neville, 48, took to X (fka Twitter) on Sunday to list his questions and demands about the takeover process – including the reiteration of his stance that the Glazer family must leave the club to allow Man United to rebuild properly.
Neville noted his five longstanding rules regarding the takeover of Manchester United, including a new training ground and new or renovated stadium – and added a sixth amid the turmoil surrounding the management of the club in recent years.
Neville’s sixth demand read: ‘The club requires leadership that is statesmanlike on major issues that enables a fairer, more inclusive and diverse game. Leadership that builds a positive environment and culture whilst adhering to the clubs values and principles and one that is willing to make tough decisions to prevent an erosion in the clubs public image.’
Following Sheikh Jassim’s withdrawal from the race to become complete owner of Man United, after growing frustrated with the process instigated by the Glazers, it meant a minority move is the most likely next step.
Gary Neville’s non-negotiable demands on any takeover
1. A new sporting project
2. A new or redeveloped Old Trafford
3. A new training ground
4. Full redevelopment of the surrounding land to create a Manchester United World and amazing fan experience
5. Pay off the debt and stop taking dividends until the above is done
6. The club requires leadership that is statesmanlike on major issues that enables a fairer, more inclusive and diverse game. Leadership that builds a positive environment and culture whilst adhering to the clubs values and principles and one that is willing to make tough decisions to prevent an erosion in the clubs public image
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Ratcliffe, a lifelong United fan, will pay around £1.4bn for a quarter share at Old Trafford, in the first step in what is being viewed as a staged buyout.
However, despite the 70-year-old’s involvement, it meant that the Glazer family are still involved in the club, to the chagrin of Neville, and many of the club’s long-term fanbase.
Neville asked: ‘How does a minority stakeholder positively impact the club to achieve the above? Can a minority shareholder have any impact on the above. It leaves more questions than answers.
‘My preference is and always will be now for a Glazer family full exit. They have overstayed their welcome in Manchester yet seem oblivious to this fact.’
Neville also listed sixteen questions that were raised as a result of the incoming Ratcliffe group investment, covering issues of governance, the role of the Glazers moving forward, renovating the Old Trafford stadium, and debt levels at Man United among others.
Neville, who played for the club for his entire senior career from 1992 to 2011, is one of many in Man United’s support base who are desperate to see the back of current owners, the Glazer family.
There have been a number of protests since they agreed to sell or take investment of the club last November, with fans demanding a full sale.
The Glazers, who purchased their first tranche of Man United shares in March 2003, completed their full takeover of the club a little over two years later.
In November 2022, the family announced that they were open to a potential sale of the club, either in full or in part. However, the lengthy negotiations have meant that it has taken almost a full year to reach this stage.
Gary Neville’s 16 questions on Ratcliffe’s partial takeover
1. What does the distribution of funds look like? Is all the cash being taken out of the club?
2. Which Glazers are going or is it a family dilution?
3. How does it impact the NYSE shareholders?
4. Does the executive stay the same?
5. Does the sporting side stay the same above the manager?
6. Who within the board has sporting control?
7. Are there future dilution clauses with the Glazer family in any deal you do as a minority shareholder? When are they?
8. We’re maxed out on the credit card and debt. How is this deal going to change the capital structure and financial issues the club has?
9. Is any further debt being placed on the club?
10. Is any debt being paid off?
11. How does this deal impact the board composition?
12. How does a minority shareholder impact the negative culture within the entire organisation?
13. Old Trafford is tired and is in need of significant redevelopment. How does this deal resolve this issue?
14. Will this deal allow the development of the training ground to its required standard?
15. Old Trafford requires significant investment on its surrounding land. Does this deal impact this requirement positively or does it leave it as a concrete wasteland?
16. How does a minority shareholder stop cultural decline across a whole organisation if the people who have overseen this decline still have a majority shareholding?
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was up more than 250 points in late-morning trading, led by strength in the base metal and technology sectors, while U.S. stock markets also charged higher.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 254.62 points at 23,847.22.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 432.77 points at 41,935.87. The S&P 500 index was up 96.38 points at 5,714.64, while the Nasdaq composite was up 486.12 points at 18,059.42.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.68 cents US compared with 73.58 cents US on Thursday.
The November crude oil contract was up 89 cents at US$70.77 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was down a penny at US2.27 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was up US$9.40 at US$2,608.00 an ounce and the December copper contract was up four cents at US$4.33 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and the legal steps that follow can add even more stress to an already difficult time.
For years, families in Vancouver (and Canada in general) have struggled with a complex probate process—filled with paperwork and legal challenges.
Thankfully, recent changes to Canada’s probate laws aim to make this process simpler and easier to navigate.
Let’s unearth how these updates can simplify the process for you and your family.
What is probate?
Probate might sound complicated, but it’s simply the legal process of settling someone’s estate after death.
Here’s how it works.
Validating the will. The court checks if the will is legal and valid.
Appointing an executor. If named in the will, the executor manages the estate. If not, the court appoints someone.
Settling debts and taxes. The executor (and you) pays debts and taxes before anything can be given.
Distributing the estate. Once everything is settled, the executor distributes the remaining assets according to the will or legal rules.
Probate ensures everything is done by the book, giving you peace of mind during a difficult time.
Recent Changes in Canadian Probate Laws
Several updates to probate law in the country are making the process smoother for you and your family.
Here’s a closer look at the fundamental changes that are making a real difference.
1) Virtual witnessing of wills
Now permanent in many provinces, including British Columbia, wills can be signed and witnessed remotely through video calls.
Such a change makes estate planning more accessible, especially for those in remote areas or with limited mobility.
2) Simplified process for small estates
Smaller estates, like those under 25,000 CAD in BC, now have a faster, simplified probate process.
Fewer forms and legal steps mean less hassle for families handling modest estates.
3) Substantial compliance for wills
Courts can now approve wills with minor errors if they reflect the person’s true intentions.
This update prevents unnecessary legal challenges and ensures the deceased’s wishes are respected.
These changes help make probate less stressful and more efficient for you and other families across Canada.
The Probate Process and You: The Role of a Probate Lawyer
(Image: Freepik.com)
Working with a probate lawyer in Vancouver can significantly simplify the probate process, especially given the city’s complex legal landscape.
Here’s how they can help.
Navigating the legal process
Probate lawyers ensure all legal steps are followed, preventing costly mistakes and ensuring the estate is managed properly.
Handling paperwork and deadlines
They manage all the paperwork and court deadlines, taking the burden off of you during this difficult time.
Resolving disputes
If conflicts arise, probate lawyers resolve them, avoiding legal battles.
Providing you peace of mind
With a probate lawyer’s expertise, you can trust that the estate is being handled efficiently and according to the law.
With a skilled probate lawyer, you can ensure the entire process is smooth and stress-free.
Why These Changes Matter
The updates to probate law make a big difference for Canadian families. Here’s why.
Less stress for you. Simplified processes mean you can focus on grieving, not paperwork.
Faster estate settlements. Estates are settled more quickly, so beneficiaries don’t face long delays.
Fewer disputes. Courts can now honor will with minor errors, reducing family conflicts.
Accessible for everyone. Virtual witnessing and easier rules for small estates make probate more accessible for everyone, no matter where you live.
With these changes, probate becomes smoother and more manageable for you and your family.
How to Prepare for the Probate Process
Even with the recent changes, being prepared makes probate smoother. Here are a few steps to help you prepare.
Create a will. Ensure a valid will is in place to avoid complications.
Choose an executor. Pick someone responsible for managing the estate and discuss their role with them.
Organize documents. Keep key financial and legal documents in one place for easy access.
Talk to your family. Have open conversations with your family to prevent future misunderstandings.
Get legal advice. Consult with a probate lawyer to ensure everything is legally sound and up-to-date.
These simple steps make the probate process easier for everyone involved.
Wrapping Up: Making Probate Easier in Vancouver
Recent updates in probate law are simplifying the process for families, from virtual witnessing to easier estate rules. These reforms are designed to ease the burden, helping you focus on what matters—grieving and respecting your dead loved ones’ final wishes.
Despite these changes, it’s best to consult a probate lawyer to ensure you can manage everything properly. Remember, they’re here to help you during this difficult time.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was higher in late-morning trading, helped by strength in energy stocks, while U.S. stock markets also moved up.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 34.91 points at 23,736.98.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 178.05 points at 41,800.13. The S&P 500 index was up 28.38 points at 5,661.47, while the Nasdaq composite was up 133.17 points at 17,725.30.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.56 cents US compared with 73.57 cents US on Monday.
The November crude oil contract was up 68 cents at US$69.70 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was up three cents at US$2.40 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was down US$7.80 at US$2,601.10 an ounce and the December copper contract was up a penny at US$4.28 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2024.
