Manchester United receive offer from Qatar – with indication Sheikh Al Thani United already GETS
Manchester United have received the long-awaited bid from a Qatari investor – and it could be a lot brighter than under Glazer’s ownership.
Red Devils fans have been outspokenly critical of Glazers’ control of Manchester United since Malcolm Glazer took over the club in 2005. the owners of the club.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe – INEOS entrepreneur and lifelong fan – represented a potential owner who could mirror the supporters. But now Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has suggested with his bid that he really understands the club.
“Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani today [February 17] confirmed its submission of a bid for 100 per cent of Manchester United Football Club,” a statement said.
“The bid is designed to return the club to its former glory, both on and off the pitch, and will aim above all to put fans back at the heart of Manchester United Football Club.
“The offer will be completely debt free through Sheikh Jassim’s Nine Two Foundation, which will seek to invest in the football teams, training centre, stadium and wider infrastructure, fan experience and communities the club supports.
“The vision of the offer is that Manchester United Football Club is renowned for its excellent football and is regarded as the greatest football club in the world.
“More details of the offer will be released, if necessary, as and when the bidding process develops.”
United fans may have noticed a few details that please them with the statement. One of the most important things, however, is the inclusion of Sheikh Jassim’s Nine Two Foundation – the name is a reference to the Class of 92, but also because 1992 was the year Sheikh Jassim started supporting the club, according to CBS Sports (opens in new tab) journalist Ben Jacobs (opens in new tab).
“He is the chairman of one of the largest banks in Qatar, QIB bank,” Sky Sports news’ Kave Solhekol say (opens in new tab). “He was also on the board of Credit Suisse, a major Swiss bank. I was told he is a lifelong Manchester United supporter and the club will be owned – if he gets the right to buy Man Utd – through a foundation called the Nine Two Foundation, named after the Class of 92.
“His vision for the club, I’m told, is an emphasis on youth and also putting money and investment into both the men’s and women’s teams. He wants to redevelop Old Trafford. There will be a new stadium, a redevelopment of the whole Old Trafford area, and crucially – and this is very important for Manchester United fans – if he buys the club, this deal will be completely debt free.
The news comes as The athletic (opens in new tab) have revealed that two-thirds of fans want Sir Jim Ratcliffe to be the new owner.
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Formal bids will be submitted to buy United. The club had a quiet period in January, but brought in Marcel Sabitzer on deadline day after Christian Eriksen suffered a long-term injury.
Former United chairman Martin Edwards, meanwhile, has spoken FFT about how the club’s 1991 European Cup Winners’ Cup victory changed the perception of English football across the continent.
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