Jim Ratcliffe Out ❌ Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim to Become New Man Utd Owner

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani, a well-known Qatari banker, has previously outlined an ambitious vision for Manchester United amid growing speculation that the Glazer family might sell their entire stake in the club. According to reports from Bloomberg, an agreement reached in 2024 between Ineos and the Glazers could potentially lead to a complete sale of the American owners’ shares later this year. This deal might open the door for a majority or full takeover of the club, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe holding the right of first refusal on any remaining Glazer shares.

Ratcliffe has made no secret of his desire to gain full control of Manchester United, but how the fanbase would react to such a move remains uncertain. If the Glazers decide to sell their remaining shares in 2025, many expect Sheikh Jassim to renew his efforts for a complete takeover. The Qatari businessman was reportedly disappointed after losing to Ratcliffe in the previous bidding process but remains a passionate supporter of the club, suggesting that he might return to the negotiating table.

Back in February 2023, Sheikh Jassim’s consortium, the Nine Two Foundation, submitted a bid to acquire Manchester United, presenting a detailed plan for the club’s future. The consortium’s proposal emphasized restoring the club to its former glory by making it entirely debt-free. The plan also included significant investments in the men’s and women’s teams, upgrading training facilities, redeveloping Old Trafford and its surrounding infrastructure, and enhancing the overall fan experience. Additionally, the Nine Two Foundation pledged to support local communities, highlighting a commitment to Manchester United’s broader impact beyond the pitch. The group expressed a clear vision to see Manchester United celebrated for its footballing excellence and recognized as the world’s leading football club. Despite the appeal of this blueprint, it remains uncertain if Sheikh Jassim will get another opportunity to pursue his vision.

Meanwhile, in December 2023, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS Group successfully acquired a 25% stake in Manchester United. The deal involved purchasing both Class B and Class A shares at a price of $33.00 per share, amounting to a total investment of approximately £1.03 billion. This agreement not only gave INEOS a significant minority stake but also granted them control over the club’s football operations. Alongside the purchase, INEOS committed to investing an additional $300 million in future developments at Old Trafford, signaling a long-term strategy for the club’s growth.

However, Ratcliffe’s first year as a minority owner has been met with a series of challenges. Significant cost-cutting measures were introduced, including job reductions and increased ticket prices, causing dissatisfaction among the club’s staff and supporters. On the field, despite considerable investments in new players and managerial changes, Manchester United’s performance has been underwhelming, with the team currently languishing in 15th place in the league, far from securing a Champions League spot. This disappointing form, coupled with the unpopular cost-saving measures, has drawn criticism from fans and the local community alike. Some supporters have even compared Ratcliffe’s management style to that of the Glazer family, whose ownership has been heavily criticized over the years. As tensions rise, the future ownership of Manchester United remains a topic of intense speculation and interest.