Sheikh Jassim’s take on restarting the Man Utd takeover as the Glazer family talks about selling
Some members of the Glazer family are thinking about selling their share of Manchester United after more than 20 years in charge. However, the group from Qatar, led by Sheikh Jassim, probably won’t get involved this time.
Sheikh Jassim and his Qatari team tried to buy Manchester United for £4.5 billion before but didn’t complete the deal. In November 2022, the Glazer family said they might sell the club, and after a long process, Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe became the main bidders.
Jassim reportedly offered about £5 billion, with £1.4 billion set aside for a new stadium, training facilities, and new players. But after months of talks, Jassim’s side pulled out in 2023. Almost a year later, Ratcliffe completed the purchase of a 27.7% stake, though some fans don’t like some cost-cutting moves made by him and INEOS.
Recently, there have been rumors again about Jassim and the Qatari group possibly making a new offer. Bloomberg reported that some Glazer family members are discussing whether to sell their shares. It seems some US-based Glazers are considering selling part or all of their Premier League club stake.
But according to the Mail, Jassim and his group haven’t been asked to buy any shares and it’s unlikely they would make an offer, even if asked. Last October, reports said the Glazers were ready for bids from foreign buyers and open to offers over £5 billion for their 48.9% stake.
The Glazers took over Manchester United in 2005 during Sir Alex Ferguson’s very successful time at the club. Since then, United has won five Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, one Champions League, one Europa League, and a FIFA Club World Cup.
Still, many fans have wanted a change during the Glazers’ ownership, mainly because the club’s rising debt has caused a lot of frustration.