Former Manchester United takeover contender, Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani, has officially dissolved his company, Nine Two UK Holdings Limited, which was previously associated with his attempt to acquire the Premier League club. The Qatari businessman was considered one of the leading candidates in the race to buy Manchester United, but ultimately, the Glazer family, who own the club, decided to proceed with a different offer. They reached an agreement with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his company, INEOS, to sell a minority stake in the club instead.
Nine Two UK Holdings Limited was incorporated by the UK Government on June 15, 2023, specifically for the purpose of facilitating Sheikh Jassim’s bid to purchase Manchester United. The company’s creation sparked significant speculation at the time, with many viewing its approval as a potential signal that his bid might prevail. The name “Nine Two” was seen as a tribute to Manchester United’s famous “Class of ‘92,” a group of academy graduates who played a pivotal role in the club’s success under former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
However, despite being one of the frontrunners, Sheikh Jassim’s bid was ultimately unsuccessful. His proposal reportedly involved a complete buyout of the Glazers’ ownership, offering to purchase 100% of the club’s shares while also promising to clear its substantial debts. In contrast, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s approach, which focused on acquiring a minority stake, was more appealing to the Glazer family, allowing them to retain a level of control over the club’s future.
Following the collapse of his bid, the decision to dissolve Nine Two UK Holdings Limited signifies the formal end of Sheikh Jassim’s aspirations to take over Manchester United. According to official records, the company has ceased trading, closing the chapter on what was one of the most high-profile takeover sagas in football in recent years.
The dissolution of Nine Two UK Holdings Limited also puts to rest the various speculations and rumors that had surrounded the Qatari businessman’s intentions. During the bidding process, there were numerous questions about the source of the funds and the transparency of the bid, with some critics raising concerns about the potential influence of Qatari state money in the deal. Sheikh Jassim, however, maintained that his bid was privately funded through his own resources and not linked to the Qatari state.
The conclusion of this saga leaves Manchester United’s ownership situation partially settled, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority stake acquisition marking the latest development. It remains to be seen how this new structure will impact the club’s governance and strategic direction moving forward, especially given the divided opinions among fans about the Glazers retaining a level of control.
As for Sheikh Jassim, the dissolution of Nine Two UK Holdings Limited suggests that he has, at least for now, moved on from the prospect of owning one of the most iconic football clubs in the world.
