Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani has reportedly not abandoned his desire to acquire Manchester United, despite his previous bid being rejected earlier this year. The Qatari billionaire’s initial attempt to purchase the club failed, with the Glazer family ultimately opting for a minority stake sale to Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group. However, sources close to Sheikh Jassim suggest that his interest in Manchester United remains steadfast, and should the opportunity arise in the future, he could make another bid for the club.
The Failed Bid and Ratcliffe’s Involvement
The saga surrounding the potential sale of Manchester United has been one of the most high-profile takeover battles in recent years. Sheikh Jassim’s bid to acquire the entirety of the club was part of an extensive process that saw multiple parties interested in purchasing United from the Glazers. Sheikh Jassim proposed a full takeover plan, titled “Project Ruby,” which included ambitious plans to clear United’s debt and build a new stadium for the club. However, his offer ultimately did not meet the expectations of the Glazers, who were reportedly unwilling to relinquish full control of the club.
Instead, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a British billionaire with a history in sports ownership through his INEOS group, succeeded in securing a minority stake in the club. Ratcliffe’s deal, worth approximately $1.6 billion for a 27.7% stake, has allowed the Glazers to maintain overall control of the club. Ratcliffe’s willingness to cooperate with the Glazers was a key factor in him winning the bid over Sheikh Jassim, who had insisted on a complete takeover. This minority stake deal also grants Ratcliffe the right of first refusal if any additional shares in Manchester United become available in the future.
Sheikh Jassim’s Ongoing Interest
Despite losing out on the deal to Ratcliffe, Sheikh Jassim’s interest in Manchester United appears to be unwavering. According to a report by the Daily Mail, an advisor to the Qatari businessman has indicated that Sheikh Jassim remains open to pursuing the club in the future should the opportunity present itself. “If the opportunity to buy the whole of Manchester United arose again at some point in the future, it is hard to see there not being a big level of interest,” the advisor stated. “The plans are still there.”
Sheikh Jassim’s vision for Manchester United included wiping out the club’s debt and developing a state-of-the-art stadium, plans which remain feasible despite the failed bid. It’s clear that the Qatari consortium still believes in the potential of Manchester United and their proposed ideas for the club’s future. The belief is that Sheikh Jassim’s proposal would have been more beneficial for United in the long term, offering more financial security and a strategic overhaul of the club’s infrastructure.
Ratcliffe’s Tenure and Fan Discontent
Since Ratcliffe’s involvement in the club, Manchester United’s tenure under new leadership has faced several challenges. While Ratcliffe’s minority stake has provided some financial breathing room, his tenure has not been without controversy. Among the most significant grievances from fans are the major staff cuts, the increase in ticket prices, and the publicly downplayed importance of the women’s football team. These issues have contributed to a growing disillusionment among Manchester United supporters.
Furthermore, the club’s performance on the pitch has fallen short of the high expectations set for a club of Manchester United‘s stature. Under manager Erik ten Hag, the team has struggled to find consistency, and recent results have failed to inspire confidence. This has led to increased calls for Ratcliffe to reassess his position at Old Trafford, with some fans even suggesting that the Glazers should sell the club entirely, a move that could see Sheikh Jassim back in the picture.
What Lies Ahead for Manchester United
As it stands, Manchester United continues to be embroiled in a complex ownership situation. While Ratcliffe’s influence at the club grows, the Glazers’ continued ownership remains a point of contention among the fanbase. Many United supporters are hoping for a more decisive change in ownership that could bring long-term stability and success to the club.
If Sheikh Jassim’s advisor is to be believed, the Qatari businessman’s plans for Manchester United are still very much alive. While Ratcliffe’s minority takeover has given the Glazers a continued foothold in the club, Sheikh Jassim’s desire to acquire full control remains a possibility for the future.
The Glazers’ reluctance to fully sell Manchester United to Sheikh Jassim remains a key point of interest, and it is likely that the matter will be revisited as the club’s financial and on-pitch challenges continue. Should the opportunity to fully buy the club arise once more, it seems that Sheikh Jassim would be ready to make another attempt to take Manchester United into a new era. For now, Manchester United’s future ownership remains in a delicate balance, with Sheikh Jassim watching from the sidelines, awaiting the right moment to act.
