Fans of Manchester United will undoubtedly be curious to learn about a cryptic post released online regarding a potential takeover at Old Trafford. The message is from Prince Saud Mishal, a member of the Saudi Royal Family and apparent Red Devils admirer.
After years of discontent under the Glazers, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s move to buy an initial 25% share in the Premier League club in December 2023, estimated to be worth more than £1 billion, gave fans hope for an exciting new era. So far, however, it is fair to state that INEOS has resulted in increased irritation.
Unpopular cost-cutting initiatives, such as the layoff of long-term employees, have been met with opposition. Some may even wish Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim had completed his planned takeover, which rivalled Ratcliffe’s bid but eventually failed.
A fresh update, however, may indicate that the ownership issue at Old Trafford may be debated again shortly.
Saudi promoter claims new investor is in talks to take over Manchester United.
According to Saudi entrepreneur Turki Alsheikh, Manchester United is currently in the ‘advanced stages of negotiating a deal to sell to a new investor’. The chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, who is in charge of bringing high-profile sports events to the nation, released this information online:
“The best news I heard today is that Manchester United is now in an advanced stage of completing a deal to sell to a new investor – I hope he’s better than the previous owners.”
Prince Saud Mishal cited the post and added the praying hands emoji, as if endorsing and lending credence to the statement. The Saudi royal family member remained tight-lipped about the situation, but it’s an intriguing development.
The prince is an entrepreneur, businessman, and CEO of Al-Manahil Holding, which focusses on investments in retail, entertainment, and leisure as part of the country’s Vision 2030 reforms. However, he has been interested in sports and is currently the chairman of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation, where he is responsible for expanding the sport in the nation.
All of this comes after Chris Blackhurst, former editor of The Independent, stated that Ratcliffe might ‘walk away’ from his job at Manchester United. He said that his troubles at Old Trafford, which have resulted in ‘personal abuse’, along with INEOS’ failures in other sporting enterprises including as cycling, rugby, the America’s Cup, and Formula 1, might lead to the British billionaire’s departure.
If Ratcliffe is seriously considering leaving, it would very definitely pave the way for a wealthy investor to step in and take over Manchester.
xz
