Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani, a Qatari banker, has previously shared his ambitious vision for Manchester United, as rumors swirl that the Glazer family may soon divest their full ownership of the club. Bloomberg reports indicate that a 2024 agreement between Ineos and the Glazers could pave the way for the American owners to sell their entire stake in United later this year, potentially enabling a majority or complete takeover—though Sir Jim Ratcliffe would hold the right of first refusal on any remaining Glazer shares.
Ratcliffe has openly expressed interest in acquiring full control of Manchester United, though it’s uncertain how the club’s fanbase would respond to such a move. Should the Glazers signal their intent to offload their remaining shares in 2025, it’s widely anticipated that Sheikh Jassim would rekindle his pursuit of a full takeover. The Qatari businessman, who reportedly felt disappointed after losing out to Ratcliffe in the previous bidding process, remains a passionate supporter of the club, likely motivating him to return to negotiations.
Back in February 2023, when Sheikh Jassim’s consortium first bid for United, they laid out a clear roadmap for the club’s future. “The bid aims to restore Manchester United to its past greatness,” the group stated. “It will be entirely debt-free, funded through Sheikh Jassim’s Nine Two Foundation, which is committed to investing in the men’s and women’s teams, the training facilities, Old Trafford and its surrounding infrastructure, as well as enhancing the fan experience and supporting the club’s local communities. Our vision is to see Manchester United celebrated for footballing excellence and recognized as the world’s premier football club.” While this blueprint holds undeniable appeal, whether Sheikh Jassim will ultimately get the chance to bring it to life remains an open question.
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