Reports indicate that Qatari tycoon Sheikh Jassim no longer views himself in competition with Sir Jim Ratcliffe for the acquisition of Manchester United. As it stands, the Qatari mogul appears to be leading the race, but the club’s current owners, the Glazer family, have not yet provided a definitive update on the matter.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has reported that Sheikh Jassim doesn’t perceive Ratcliffe as a primary contender in the running. The Qatari billionaire sees the Glazer family as the only hindrance to his summer takeover bid.
Jacobs spoke to GiveMeSport, saying, “The situation remains the same with the Nine Two Foundation and INEOS involved in the process.” He added, “The only change now is that the Qatari side seems quite confident. It’s either they win the bid or the Glazers decide not to sell and look for alternative financing methods.”
This perspective shift marks a significant turn in the narrative, as the Qatari group now sees the situation not as a competition against Ratcliffe, but rather as a decision between their success or the Glazers choosing not to sell at this stage. Jacobs added, “This may involve some sort of financial rearrangement, delaying the club’s sale.”
Only a few weeks back, Ratcliffe was perceived as the most probable buyer. However, the dynamics changed when Sheikh Jassim presented a final and fifth bid for Manchester United.
Sheikh Jassim, known for his penchant for privacy, remains a somewhat enigmatic figure. Nonetheless, the Qatari contingent is increasingly confident that they are on the brink of owning the renowned club.
If the takeover materializes, Sheikh Jassim has committed to significant investment in Manchester United, a club he believes has seen insufficient funding under the Glazers’ reign.
