Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani maintains unwavering confidence in his quest to acquire Manchester United, despite the reports of the Glazers opting to retain ownership.
The American family has been diligently exploring their options, with the possibility of a full sale looming.
However, this intricate process has unfolded over several months, with no recent bids submitted. Notably, Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe emerge as the prominent figures seeking to supplant the Glazers.
The current custodians of Manchester United have largely remained distant, even as fervent fans clamor for their exit.
The Glazers have withstood a barrage of criticism and protests, seemingly determined to stay put and capitalize on their investments.
Sky Sports has gathered that both Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim believe the club is still available for acquisition, eagerly awaiting a definitive response.
The Qatari bid signifies a comprehensive takeover, coupled with promises to eliminate the club’s debts and inject substantial capital into the long-neglected infrastructure, which has languished over the past decade. In contrast, Ratcliffe contemplates retaining the Glazers temporarily before eventually acquiring their shares.
In an intriguing revelation, The Mail on Sunday has intimated that the Glazers might postpone their plans to sell the club until 2025, hoping to achieve their coveted valuation of £7 billion to £10 billion.
Their optimism hinges on the prospect of ‘financial and environmental factors’ attracting more lucrative bids at that juncture.
The Glazers entertain hopes of securing an even higher price, thanks to the surge in TV revenue, the expansion of the Club World Cup, and the impending 2026 World Cup.
Prominent voices within the footballing community have chimed in on this saga. Gary Neville, a vocal critic of United’s owners, expressed skepticism about the Glazers’ reluctance to sell or take action, citing their financial predicament and negative impact on the club’s internal dynamics. He argued that some form of fundraising action is imminent.
David Beckham also weighed in, underscoring the gravity of losing fan support at a club of Manchester United’s stature. He acknowledged the club’s remarkable achievements and emphasized the financial success that has made their valuation a topic of discussion.