Qatari politician Sheikh Jassim has decided to submit a second bid for Manchester United, nearly two years after losing out to Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
In November 2022, the Glazer family, who bought a controlling position in United in May 2005, declared that they would be willing to sell their shares.
In response to the revelation, a Qatari company led by Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani reportedly attempted to make a large £4.5 billion buyout, but lost out to INEOS CEO Ratcliffe.
Following months of discussions, the British businessman purchased a minority stake in the club for around £1.25 billion, but he has since grown unpopular with fans due to his contentious cost-cutting methods and the club’s prolonged deterioration.
With that in mind, a share in United could be available at a lower cost than ever before, but a fresh report has suggested that Sheikh Jassim has lost interest.
According to the Daily Mail, the Doha-based group has little desire to launch another bid for United after the last process with the Glazer family ended.
Add to this the fact that INEOS is apparently eager to keep its shares in United due to the significant amount of work they have done since their arrival, and the ownership status at Old Trafford is very set to remain unchanged for next season.
United’s share price is down more than 17% year on year following their worst season in recent history.
Despite the appointment of Ruben Amorim as Erik ten Hag’s successor manager in November, United have dropped to 15th in the Premier League table, their lowest result since the competition’s inception in 1992.
Meanwhile, in Europe, the Red Devils missed out on Champions League qualification after losing the Europa League final to English rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
The terrible season, along with the ownership’s recent decision to fire club employees, has sparked a protest, which will take place following today’s season-ending match against Aston Villa.
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