Hindsight is always 20/20, but a clear sign of what was to follow emerged early on.
In February, shortly after first bids for Manchester United were submitted, Raine, the US merchant bank running the process, sent out a message warning those involved to keep their mouths shut.
It was interpreted as a direct shot at the Qatari group, which had spoken of a desire to return United to their 'former glories' in their opening statement.
To say that comment did not go down well with the Glazers would be an understatement, according to those with knowledge of the situation.