A source close to Sheikh Jassim, a Qatari billionaire, has shared with @centredevils that he remains highly interested in acquiring Manchester United. The source claims that Sheikh Jassim is still eager to take over the club and is ready to re-engage in the bidding process, but only if the Glazer family and/or Sir Jim Ratcliffe are open to selling their shares. This revelation comes after a lengthy period of uncertainty regarding the ownership status of Manchester United, one of the most well-known and historically significant football clubs in the world.
In a noteworthy development, Sheikh Jassim has reportedly expressed his willingness to purchase solely the 72.3% stake currently owned by the Glazer family, which would give him majority control of the club. This approach is distinct from previous offers, where he had shown interest in acquiring the entire club. His new position would see him take over the majority of the shares while leaving Sir Jim Ratcliffe in place as a significant stakeholder, maintaining his role at the club.
If this transaction were to take place, it would result in a significant shift in the ownership structure and dynamics at Manchester United. The Glazers, who have been in control of the club for several years, are known for their controversial ownership, often facing criticism from fans due to their methods of financial management and the perceived lack of commitment to the long-term success of the club. Sheikh Jassim’s purchase of the Glazers’ shares would mark the end of their reign, with the Qatari billionaire at the helm.
Despite this, Sheikh Jassim’s offer allows for the continued involvement of Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Ratcliffe, a British businessman, has previously shown interest in Manchester United and has been a part of the ownership discussions in the past. Under this new scenario, he would remain a key figure within the club, even though the majority of ownership would be in the hands of Sheikh Jassim. This would potentially create a more balanced power structure, with Jassim leading the club’s future direction, while Ratcliffe plays a vital role in its ongoing operations.
This dramatic development adds a new layer of complexity to the ongoing saga of Manchester United’s ownership, and the football world will closely watch whether this proposal gains traction. Fans and stakeholders of the club have long been eager for a resolution to the ownership issue, hoping for a new era of stability and success, free from the controversies of the past.
