Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the chairman of Qatari bank QIB, has announced he has submitted a bid to buy Manchester United.
The Glazer family completed their controversial leveraged takeover at Old Trafford in 2005, a structure that did not endear themselves to United fans.
United have not won any silverware since 2017 and Ten Hag took over at a time of palpable fan anger against the ownership given the debt, dividends and perceived mismanagement.
November’s announcement that the Glazers were conducting a strategic review brought hope to frustrated supporters, with the sale of United one option being considered.
Friday has been described as the soft deadline for initial offers for United and comes in the midst of a frantic schedule.
The Qataris are the second group, after boyhood United fan Sir Jim Ratcliffe, to confirm a bid ahead of Friday’s soft deadline of 10pm.
A statement confirmed: “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.”
The Qatari statement continued: “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.”
Speaking on Friday, United manager Erik ten Hag insisted his players are following the ongoing takeover talk but there is no chance of their focus wavering as they fight on four fronts.
“We are following it,” Ten Hag said. “It’s our club and of course we are committed. But we are focusing on football, on training and our way of play, on games. That is what we are focusing on.
“We are really enjoying in the moment with the togetherness. It’s enjoyable to work. We are focusing on games and we have four leagues, so others in the club will have to take decisions, give efforts in the process but it’s not up to us.
More to follow…
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