Sheikh Jassim’s doubt about Glazers comes to light after dramatic takeover bid

18 May 2023 , 06:03

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Sheikh Jassim’s doubt about Glazers comes to light after dramatic takeover bid

Sheikh Jassim is concerned that the Glazer family do not want to sell Manchester United at all amid his desperate late attempt to seal a takeover, it has been claimed.

The Red Devils have been up for sale since last November. Since then, a deadline of April 28 for third bids has come and gone.

In that time, Qatari billionaire Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe have tabled multiple offers to the facilitators of the sale - the Raine Group - in an effort to seal a deal. A statement from the latter amid his initial bid confirmed his plans for the club.

It read: "Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani today confirmed his submission of a bid for 100 per cent of Manchester United Football Club. The bid plans to return the club to its former glories both on and off the pitch and - above all - will seek to place the fans at the heart of Manchester United Football Club once more.

"The bid will be completely debt free via Sheikh Jassim's Nine Two Foundation, which will look to invest in the football teams, the training centre, the stadium and wider infrastructure, the fan experience, and communities the club supports.

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"The vision of the bid is for Manchester United Football Club to be renowned for footballing excellence, and regarded as the greatest football club in the world. More details of the bid will be released, when appropriate, if and when the bid process develops."

Sheikh Jassim has concerns over Avram Glazer's intent for Manchester United (Getty Images)

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As it stands, the Glazers are yet to respond to the latest round of offers - leading to Sheikh Jassim to make one last desperate attempt to secure a deal. He recently lodged a £5.5billion for the club as he attempts to see off rival Ratcliffe.

However, there is a major concern. According to the BBC, he is worried that the Glazers do not actually want to sell despite detailing their intentions to do so.

There is a possibility that the Americans could yet remain at Old Trafford. Ratcliffe has lowered his potential share of the club to just 50.01% which could yet allow the Glazers to stay with the Red Devils as investors.

A number of external investors are also still involved in the takeover proccess. Elliott Investments and Sixth Street are willing to invest in the Red Devils and again would be willing to let the Glazers to stay at Old Trafford.

That news will certainly leave Man Utd icon Gary Neville concerned. He has previously expressed his fear at the Glazers staying at Old Trafford and suggested that the priority needs to be to move on the much-criticised owners sooner rather than later.

Daniel Orme