Man Utd takeover: Sheikh Jassim bid gets exciting green light

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 28 Apr 2023 13:00 BST
3 min read

The Qatari group led by Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani are set to launch a third and final offer for Manchester United on Friday - and their offer is now bolstered by Government assurances.

Article continues under the video

The group have entered the latter stages of the proceedings, as they prepare a final offer for the Premier League giants.

And their will come with Government assurances that they will not look to block the move.

It means that if Glazers finally give the green light to the Sheikh’s offer for complete control, the only thing that will stand in their way is the Premier League’s strengthened directors’ and owners’ test, reports The Telegraph.

It is believed that the Qataris remain the most likely bid to be accepted by the Glazers before the 10pm deadline on Friday.

But also vying for a chance to claim a stake in the club is Sir Jim Ratcliffe, considered Britain's richest man, who is lining up a more adaptable offer, one which would allow for Avram and Joel Glazer to retain a minority stake in the club.

It is thought that Ineos group have offered a controlling stake of just over 50 per cent - leaving the 20 per cent remaining in the possession of Avram and Joel Glazer.

© ProShots - Ratcliffe is wanting a 50 per cent stake

A Qatari takeover?

Sheikh Jassim has come in with a debt-free purchase of the side - and most fans of the club favour his move.

Indeed, the Premier League may well be the final hurdle now - those tests for prospective owners have introduced a human rights element, which could set the Qatari takeover off track.

Man Utd had wanted to wrap up the process sooner but it has dragged out until this stage.

The Qataris and Ratcliffe have been the most publicised - but there are also several American investment funds, including Elliott Management, Carlyle Group, Ares Management and Sixth Street, who looking for a minority stake.