Manchester United

Sheikh Jassim 'prepared to overpay for Manchester United'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 18 March 2023

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is now prepared to 'overpay' for Manchester United, with the Qatari banker lining up a second bid for the club, according to a report.

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is reportedly now prepared to 'overpay' for Manchester United, with the Qatari banker lining up an offer of close to £6bn.

As it stands, Sheikh Jassim has submitted one bid for the 20-time English champions, believed to be around £4.5bn, which falls short of the asking price set by the club's current owners the Glazer family.

Various reports in recent days have claimed that the Qatari prepared to walk away from a deal if the Glazers are unwilling to drop their valuation.

However, according to Sky Sports News, having sent his representatives to meet with senior Man United officials on Thursday, Sheikh Jassim is now willing to 'overpay' to purchase the club.

The report claims that his stance has softened following 'constructive meetings' with the Red Devils, which involved his representatives visiting Old Trafford and the Carrington training complex.

General view inside Old Trafford before the match on January 10, 2022 © Reuters

"All the numbers people from the bidders will be working out the real value of the club over the next few days. They will be making second bids. The reality is their first bids were just indicative," said a US insider.

"In this process, the second bids next week are really the first serious bids."

Man United bidders have allegedly been informed that they have 10 days to submit second offers, and Sheikh Jassim's main competition at this stage of proceedings comes from Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

The British billionaire was present at Old Trafford and Carrington on Friday, and the 70-year-old is also expected to make a second offer for the club next week.

Ineos chairman Jim Ratcliffe is pictured at Old Trafford in Manchester, Britain, March 17, 2023 © Reuters

Speaking during his press conference to preview Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final with Fulham, Man United head coach Erik ten Hag revealed that he had been introduced to Ratcliffe.

"I just met them, we shake hands, I'm focused on the game, we play a big game on Sunday, all our focus is on that, others in the club are dealing with potential investors," the Dutchman told reporters.

"My job in this moment is to focus on the game so let's talk about the game, it's a big tie and we have to get ready for that."

Sheikh Jassim is said to be looking to purchase 100% of the club and has already signalled that he would be prepared to clear the outstanding debts at Old Trafford.

However, Ratcliffe is only thought to be looking for the 69% currently owned by the Glazers, who revealed last November that they were open to a sale.