
Sheikh Jassim Ends Manchester United Takeover Pursuit as Nine Two UK Holdings Dissolves
Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani, once a leading contender in the race to acquire Manchester United, has officially dissolved Nine Two UK Holdings Limited—the company set up to facilitate his takeover bid. This move formally ends his pursuit of the Premier League club, following the Glazer family’s decision to sell a minority stake to Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS instead.
A Bid That Fell Short
Nine Two UK Holdings Limited was incorporated on June 15, 2023, as part of Sheikh Jassim’s ambitious plan to take full control of Manchester United. The company’s name was widely seen as a nod to the club’s legendary “Class of ’92” academy graduates, fueling speculation that his bid could succeed.
Unlike Ratcliffe’s proposal, which focused on acquiring a minority stake while keeping the Glazers involved, Sheikh Jassim aimed for a complete buyout. His offer reportedly included clearing United’s debts and investing significantly in the club’s future. However, the Glazers ultimately favored Ratcliffe’s approach, allowing them to maintain partial control.
A Definitive End to Speculation
The dissolution of Nine Two UK Holdings Limited marks the official closure of one of football’s most high-profile takeover sagas. Throughout the bidding process, Sheikh Jassim’s bid was scrutinized, with questions raised about funding sources and potential Qatari state involvement. He consistently maintained that his bid was privately funded and independent of the Qatari government.
What’s Next for United?
With Ratcliffe’s minority stake now in place, attention shifts to how this new ownership structure will impact Manchester United’s long-term strategy. While some fans hoped for a complete change at the top, the Glazers’ continued presence remains a point of contention.
As for Sheikh Jassim, the closure of Nine Two UK Holdings Limited suggests that, for now, he has moved on from his dream of owning one of football’s most iconic clubs.
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