Sheikh Jassim makes Man Utd intentions clear with Glazer open to stay

Sir Jim Ratcliffe officially enters race to buy Man United from Glazers

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Sheikh Jassim has the wealth to up his offer for Manchester United but won’t pay over the odds, according to reports. The Qatari billionaire has long been considered a frontrunner to buy the club. Yet the Glazers are open to staying and a takeover, it seems, is far from guaranteed.

It emerged last month that Sheikh Jassim was a genuine contender to buy United, especially given his vast wealth.

But The Athletic say that while he’s got the finances to meet the Glazers’ £6billion asking price, he’s reluctant to pay over the odds for the club.

As things stand, it’s unclear what will happen. The Glazers will go for the right price, but they’re also willing to dig their heels in and stay.

The report speculates that delays to new offers could stem from Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe potentially talking to each other.

Ratcliffe’s INEOS launched their latest proposal on Thursday, with Jassim’s set to follow imminently as he looks to oust the Glazers from power.

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Both men feel they’re doing all they can to ensure they win the race for United, who have been owned by the Glazers ever since 2005.

Yet should the Americans stay, it will likely spark a backlash unlike anything ever seen before.

The Glazers have long been polarising figures at the club, with even former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opposing their takeover 18 years ago.

Sir Alex Ferguson initially won silverware in the years that followed, guiding the club to five Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League crown.

But United have found life far tougher in the years since the Scot walked off into the sunset.

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Sheikh Jassim is a fan of the club and was previously present when the Red Knights asked for Qatari backing over a decade ago.

But Ratcliffe is another supporter and, having missed out on buying Chelsea last year, will be hoping history doesn’t repeat itself.

Last month, meanwhile, Jassim confirmed his bid by saying: “Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani today confirmed his submission of a bid for 100 per cent of Manchester United Football Club.

“The bid plans to return the Club to its former glories both on and off the pitch, and — above all — will seek to place the fans at the heart of Manchester United Football Club once more.

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“The bid will be completely debt free via Sheikh Jassim’s Nine Two Foundation, which will look to invest in the football teams, the training centre, the stadium and wider infrastructure, the fan experience and the communities the Club supports.

“The vision of the bid is for Manchester United Football Club to be renowned for footballing excellence, and regarded as the greatest football club in the world.

“More details of the bid will be released, when appropriate, if and when the bid process develops.”

In November, the Glazers released a statement of their own.

“The strength of Manchester United rests on the passion and loyalty of our global community of 1.1 billion fans and followers,” the family said.

“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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