Qatar-linked investors 'want full takeover of Manchester United'

By Ben Sully | 13 February 2023

Qatar 'want full takeover of Manchester United'

The Qatari Investment Authority reportedly want to complete a full takeover of Manchester United, who are seeking a potential sale.

Qatar Investment Authority are reportedly interested in buying Manchester United in its entirety.

The Glazer family have owned the Red Devils since 2005, but they released a statement towards the end of last year announcing that they were exploring "strategic alternatives for the club".

The statement went on to say that the Glazers were looking at different options, including new investment or a complete sale.

A recent report claimed that investors linked to the Qatari royal family are preparing to present a takeover bid this week.

According to The Mirror, the Qatar Investment Authority are only interested in a full takeover of the 20-time English champions.

General view inside Manchester United's stadium Old Trafford before the match on January 10, 2023 © Reuters

The proposed offer will be submitted in time to meet the deadline of February 17, which has been set by merchant bank the Raine Group, who are handling the sale.

The report claims that the takeover bid is being backed by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar.

There is uncertainty over how UEFA may react to the bid, with Paris Saint-Germain owned by Qatar Sports Investment, which is a subsidiary of the Qatar Investment Authority.

UEFA has rules on dual ownership, but the Red Bull group, who own clubs such as RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg, have demonstrated that it is still possible to abide by the regulations.

In a separate report, the Daily Mail claims that Qatar could stay within the rules by setting up different leadership teams and corporate structures for PSG and Man United.

General view of Manchester United's Old Trafford taken August 2018 © Reuters

The Qatari-backed bid will face competition, though, with four serious offers expected to be put forward in the next week.

INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who owns Ligue 1 side Nice and Swiss outfit FC Lausanne-Sport, is likely to be among the bidders.

Ratcliffe is a Man United supporter, and he has previously expressed an interest in buying the Red Devils.

The Glazer family are looking to receive an offer in the region of £5bn ($6.6bn), although there is a suggestion that a £4.5bn ($5.5bn) bid could be accepted.

On the pitch, Man United claimed a 2-0 victory over Leeds United on Sunday, which leaves them in third place in the Premier League table.