The race for the acquisition of Manchester United appears to be nearing its climax, with numerous sources stating that Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani is currently poised to take over at Old Trafford. Corroborating reports have also suggested that the billionaire would be prepared to let go of a number of United’s top executives, ushering in a new era at the club.
Since indicating their intentions to sell United, The Glazers have overseen a takeover process that has been drawn out over several months. After inquiries from various parties and consortiums, the race appears to have boiled down to two bidders– Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Going by recent developments, Shiekh Jassim has reportedly entered a round of ‘exclusive’ negotiations with the club, signaling that the Qatari bid is currently preferred by the Glazers. As per estimates, the businessman has possibly launched a bid in excess of $6 billion, nearly double what Premier League heavyweights Chelsea purchased last year.
English football club Manchester United is negotiating granting exclusivity to the consortium led by Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani in talks to sell itself for more than $6 billion, people familiar with the matter said #MUFC https://t.co/srjSSb3Rhi pic.twitter.com/8pVWdv9eoB
— Reuters (@Reuters) June 16, 2023
Other news emerging out of the Qatari camp has also suggested that Sheikh Jassim could pursue a clearout of United’s board members. The likes of CEO Richard Arnold, Director of Football John Murtough, and Technical Director Darren Fletcher could be replaced by trusted members of the Sheikh’s counsel.
📝 – Sheikh Jassim could replace a number of the #mufc hierarchy if he wins the takeover race. The Qatari Sheikh may wish to replace a number of current officials with people whom he trusts. The jobs of CEO Richard Arnold and Director of Footbll John Murtough could be on the… pic.twitter.com/YEPeM9lf5o
— UtdXclusive (@UtdXclusive) June 24, 2023
Fans online reacted to the news by expressing their delight, as the aforementioned board members aren’t exactly popular amongst supporters. Darren Fletcher, in particular, has borne the brunt of fans on numerous occasions, on account of being an alleged ‘yes man’ for the Glazers. In contrast, Arnold and Murtough have mostly been panned for United’s passive activity in the transfer market.
Jassim should sack all of them
— Ifefineboy. (@Ifefineboy) June 24, 2023
Fletch, with the greatest respect. Yes he needs to go.
— Riz (@R12wan) June 24, 2023
That’s exactly why we want Sheikh Jassim
— 𝙆. (@UTD_Kem) June 24, 2023
I full agree with him. We need experienced and qualified football ppl in the club. Not explayers. Murtough and Arnold can go too. We need good negotiators.
— Ayanda Xesha (@AyandaXesha) June 24, 2023
especially Fletcher’s. get that ass kisser out of this club https://t.co/aXMRGNJETO
— ሙስጠፋ (@offensiveforjoy) June 24, 2023
Manchester United is slowly moving towards a pivotal moment in its storied history, and judging by the reactions, the fans are ready to embrace the wholesale changes.
Who is leading the Manchester United takeover race?
After more than seven months since the club was initially put up for sale, Manchester United is nearing a takeover. As mentioned, the two definitive bidders in talks with the Glazers are Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Although, their reported offers differ in some key aspects.
Sheikh Jassim’s takeover bid ‘more favourable’ than Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s in Manchester United takeover race #mufc https://t.co/2X23RwAF4Q pic.twitter.com/65u0PtBSWz
— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) June 24, 2023
While Sheikh Jassim is seeking to purchase 100% of the club, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is only after a majority stake. This would mean that the Glazers will still be involved with the club, should Ratcliffe be successful in his pursuit.
But as per sources, the Glazer family would prefer to cash out, which gives a direct edge to the Qatari bid. It is safe to say that Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani is currently the frontrunner to take over Manchester United.
