Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani, a Qatari banker, has previously shared his ambitious vision for Manchester United, as rumors swirl that the Glazer family may soon divest their full ownership of the club. Bloomberg reports indicate that a 2024 agreement between Ineos and the Glazers could pave the way for the American owners to sell their entire stake in United later this year, potentially enabling a majority or complete takeover—though Sir Jim Ratcliffe would hold the right of first refusal on any remaining Glazer shares.
Ratcliffe has openly expressed interest in acquiring full control of Manchester United, though it’s uncertain how the club’s fanbase would respond to such a move. Should the Glazers signal their intent to offload their remaining shares in 2025, it’s widely anticipated that Sheikh Jassim would rekindle his pursuit of a full takeover. The Qatari businessman, who reportedly felt disappointed after losing out to Ratcliffe in the previous bidding process, remains a passionate supporter of the club, likely motivating him to return to negotiations.
Back in February 2023, when Sheikh Jassim’s consortium first bid for United, they laid out a clear roadmap for the club’s future. “The bid aims to restore Manchester United to its past greatness,” the group stated. “It will be entirely debt-free, funded through Sheikh Jassim’s Nine Two Foundation, which is committed to investing in the men’s and women’s teams, the training facilities, Old Trafford and its surrounding infrastructure, as well as enhancing the fan experience and supporting the club’s local communities. Our vision is to see Manchester United celebrated for footballing excellence and recognized as the world’s premier football club.” While this blueprint holds undeniable appeal, whether Sheikh Jassim will ultimately get the chance to bring it to life remains an open question.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani, a prominent Qatari banker, has previously expressed a strong interest in acquiring full ownership of Manchester United. In February 2023, his consortium, the Nine Two Foundation, submitted a bid aiming to restore the club to its former glory. Their vision included making the club entirely debt-free and investing in various areas such as the men’s and women’s teams, training facilities, Old Trafford and its surrounding infrastructure, enhancing the fan experience, and supporting local communities. The consortium’s statement emphasized their commitment to seeing Manchester United celebrated for footballing excellence and recognized as the world’s premier football club.
In December 2023, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS Group reached an agreement to acquire a 25% stake in Manchester United, purchasing both Class B and Class A shares at $33.00 per share. This deal, valued at approximately £1.03 billion, granted INEOS responsibility for managing the club’s football operations and included an additional investment of $300 million intended for future developments at Old Trafford.
Recent reports indicate that the first year of Ratcliffe’s minority ownership has faced challenges. Significant cost-cutting measures, including job reductions and increased ticket prices, have led to dissatisfaction among staff and fans. Despite substantial investments in players and managerial changes, the club’s on-pitch performance has been disappointing, with Manchester United currently positioned 15th in the league, far from securing a spot in the Champions League. These developments have drawn criticism from fans and the local community, with some comparing Ratcliffe’s approach to that of the much-criticized Glazer family.
As of now, there is no official confirmation regarding the Glazer family’s intention to sell their remaining shares in Manchester United. However, should they decide to divest their full ownership, it is anticipated that Sheikh Jassim would renew his pursuit of a full takeover, aligning with his previously stated vision for the club.
