Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Manchester United are being extremely lucky with Sheikh Jassim as takeover saga goes on
Manchester United remain of interest to Sheikh Jassim, with the Qatari billionaire continuing to pursue a takeover.
LGBTQ+ activist concerned by potential Qatari takeover of Man Utd
Sheikh Jassim remains committed to buying Manchester United at the current moment in time. However, that’s rather fortunate given the way the takeover process has been handled by the Glazers over the past eight months. Few would begrudge the mysterious figure walking away because, right now, the situation is a shambles that needs resolving as quickly as possible.
There are obvious concerns over Sheikh Jassim, his source of funding and whether United would be used as a ‘sportswashing’ tool.
But while Sir Jim Ratcliffe is also in the hunt to acquire the club, it’s the Qatari billionaire’s offer that looks the best from purely a footballing perspective.
He’s promised mass investment, not just in the squad but in Old Trafford and the club’s Carrington training complex as well.
Sheikh Jassim has also pledged to wipe the debt, something that didn’t exist as United prior to the Glazers’ purchase back in 2005.
And he’s adamant he’ll do everything in his power to bring the glory days back to the club following a decade of decline.
Don't miss... Man Utd takeover latest as Sheikh Jassim panic justified after Ratcliffe update [LIVE UPDATES]
It all sounds rather exciting, which is why many United supporters are eager to see the 44-year-old installed as their new owner.
But fans should consider themselves lucky Sheikh Jassim is still interested at this point.
It is now eight months since the Glazers confirmed 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.
Don't miss...
Edinson Cavani has already helped Mason Mount as new Man Utd star gets to work [COMMENT]
De Gea sets record straight to Man Utd chiefs as Onana deal moves closer [NEWS]
Man Utd have a second player who missed out on No 7 shirt as well as Garnacho [LATEST]
“Throughout this process we will remain fully focused on serving the best interests of our fans, shareholders, and various stakeholders.”
But still the situation is unresolved.
It has cast a cloud over United at present, even if the signing of Mason Mount represents a step in the right direction.
The Qataris don’t like to be messed around. They’re proud people and Sheikh Jassim bypassing the Raine Group to deal directly with the Glazers speaks volumes.
He is determined to own the club he supports, having been snapped at Old Trafford in the past.
But those emotional ties seem to be the biggest factor as to why the billionaire hasn’t walked away.
The Glazers have been poor throughout this process, promising resolutions one minute only to then U-turn.
There’s still question marks over their true intentions, amid suggestions not all six siblings are determined sellers.
They continue to brief Ratcliffe that he has a chance of being successful, while also proving enough details for Sheikh Jassim’s optimism to grow.
If the mysterious figure didn’t support United, would he still have the patience to remain in the hunt?
That’s debatable, especially as there have been whispers of the Qatari potentially turning to other clubs.
Tottenham have been mooted as a potential alternative to United and Sheikh Jassim’s spending power would elevate the north London side.
And there have also been reports suggesting he could set his sights on West Ham, too.
The Glazers are pushing it. Delay after delay is seeing impatience rise inside a United fanbase already aggrieved at their ownership.
Whether they continue to play all sides and take their time remains to be seen.