Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani has recently put forth a new bid to acquire Manchester United, marking his fourth attempt. The improved offer, totaling no more than £5.5 billion, includes provisions to clear the club's £1 billion debt and establish a dedicated fund for the benefit of both the club and the local community.
Previously, Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, owner of Ineos, had submitted what were believed to be their final bids for Manchester United. The Qatari banker's previous offer was in the vicinity of £5 billion for a full ownership stake, while Ratcliffe's bid was reportedly for slightly over 50%, leaving the Glazer siblings with a 20% share.
According to sources close to the matter, Sheikh Jassim's desire to become the club's next owner motivated him to increase his bid by around £500 million, while also pledging to clear the club's debt and establish a fund dedicated to supporting the club and its local community. It is understood that Sheikh Jassim is aiming to become the preferred bidder for the Glazer family, who initially valued the club at £6 billion when it was put up for sale.
The response from Sir Jim Ratcliffe or other potential bidders remains uncertain at this stage. Alternatively, it is possible that some of the Glazer family members may choose to retain their ownership stake and seek additional investment for the club. Both Elliott Investment Management and the Carlyle Group, two US firms, have expressed interest in providing investment for Manchester United.
The ongoing ownership saga of Manchester United has attracted significant attention from football enthusiasts and financial analysts alike. Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani's latest bid, with its improved offer and commitment to the club and community, adds further intrigue to the situation. The outcome of this high-profile battle for ownership of Manchester United is eagerly anticipated, as stakeholders await the final decision.