Sheikh Jassim had specific reason for not attending Man Utd talks

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Sheikh Jassim didn’t attend Manchester United takeover talks on Thursday because he felt it was ‘too early’ to show his face. Representatives of the Qatari billionaire held discussions regarding a potential takeover. However, it’s still unclear if he’ll end up being the next owner of the club.

According to Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol, the Qatari billionaire didn’t attend because he also didn’t want to pose for a ‘photo opportunity’.

“Feeling that it was too early in the process for Sheikh Jassim to go to Old Trafford in person today,” he said on Twitter.

“He’s been there before as a fan. He didn’t just want to go today for a photo opportunity.

“He sent his top team of experts in finance, banking, property and law.”

Instead of Sheikh Jassim himself visiting Manchester, delegations working on his behalf made the trip.

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This included Shabaz, President of the 92 foundation, and senior personal advisor Fady Backhos.

Sam Powers, Global head at Bank of America, as well as Managing director Yasir Shah were also present.

And various lawyers were there, too, though it’s still unclear whether the outcome will be the one the Qatari is looking for.

On Friday, Sir Jim Ratcliffe will travel to Manchester personally as he looks to get the upper hand.

He’s expected to bring his own staff members with him as he seeks a positive round of discussions, having missed out on buying Chelsea last year.

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And two unnamed parties from the United States are eyeing the Red Devils, too.

The Glazers confirmed back in November they were open to selling United, saying in a statement: “The strength of Manchester United rests on the passion and loyalty of our global community of 1.1 billion fans and followers.

“As we seek to continue building on the Club’s history of success, the Board has authorised a thorough evaluation of strategic alternatives.

“We will evaluate all options to ensure that we best serve our fans and that Manchester United maximises the significant growth opportunities available to the Club today and in the future.

“Throughout this process we will remain fully focused on serving the best interests of our fans, shareholders, and various stakeholders.”

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And that development came shortly after they’d been criticised by Cristiano Ronaldo in a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.

“The Glazers, they don’t care about the club, professional sport,” Ronaldo told Morgan.

“As you know Manchester is a marketing club, they will get money from the marketing. The sport – they don’t really care in my opinion.

“They give all the power to the president and sporting director.”

He added: “The fans should know the truth.

“The players want the best for the club, I want this best. This is I came to Manchester United, this is why I love the club.

“But you have some things inside the club which don’t help Manchester to reach the top level as City, Liverpool and even now Arsenal for example. It’s complicated, difficult.

“In my opinion it will be hard for Manchester to be in the top of the game in the next two, three years.”

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