Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim, Sir Jim Ratcliffe table Manchester United takeover bids
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have both submitted bids to takeover Manchester United.
The Red Devils have been owned by the Glazer family since 2005, but they announced in November last year that they were exploring “strategic alternatives for the club”.
In the past weeks and months, a number of potential buyers have been linked with a takeover, including a possible offer from Qatar.
Chairman of the Qatari Investment Bank, Sheikh Jassim has announced that he submitted an offer before Friday’s 10pm deadline, which was set by the Raine Group, who are handling the sale on the Glazers’ behalf.
In a statement, Sheikh Jassim revealed that his bid is “completely debt free” and has been tabled via his Nine Two Foundation.
Sheikh Jassim, who is a fan of the 20-time English champions, also confirmed his offer is for “100 per cent’ of Man United.
Due to UEFA rules, the Qatari-linked bid will have to prove that it does not have a conflict of interest with Paris Saint-Germain, who are owned by Qatar Sports Investment.
According to The Telegraph, INEOS owner Ratcliffe has also tabled a bid to become complete a full takeover of the Red Devils.
The report claims that Ratcliffe wants to be “a long-term custodian” of Man United and “set the standard for a progressive approach to club ownership”.
Ratcliffe, who already owns French club Nice and Swiss side FC Lausanne-Sport, is also a Man United fan and was in attendance at Camp Nou when Sir Alex Ferguson’s side completed the treble in 1999.
In a separate report, BBC Sport indicates that there may have be two offers from potential buyers based in the United States.
There is also a belief that investors from Saudi Arabia may have submitted a bid, which could result in at least five offers being on the table.
While no figures have been placed on the reported bids, the Glazers allegedly value the club at £5bn ($6.6bn), however, there is a belief that they could accept an offer of £4.5bn ($5.5bn).
Man United boss Erik ten Hag refused to be drawn on the speculation surrounding the takeover, claiming that he is “focusing on football”.
Ten Hag is currently preparing his side to face Leicester City at Old Trafford on Sunday.
