Rumours suggesting Manchester United could be taken over by an Emirati billionaire businessman have reportedly been shut down. Social media speculation had linked Hussain Sajwani, founder of DAMAC, with an interest in buying a substantial stake in the club.
The speculation follows Qatari Sheikh Jassim's reported interest in a takeover back in 2023, when the Glazers initially put a minority stake up for sale. Ultimately, it was Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group who acquired a stake, and the ownership makeup at Old Trafford does not appear to be changing any time soon.
Sportico dismisses Sajwani rumours
According to Sportico, an outlet providing insight into the world of sports business, the social media rumours regarding Sajwani are false. The businessman has never held any interest in purchasing a stake in any football club, including United.
That does not mean pressure is not mounting on Sir Jim Ratcliffe. In the week United announced record revenues, there have been calls for the INEOS head to leave, following inflammatory comments made by Ratcliffe about the state of the United Kingdom, as well as comments on immigration.
Muslim Supporters Club issues no-confidence vote
Manchester United's Muslim Supporters Club issued a scathing vote of no confidence in the co-owner, saying in a statement: "After careful consideration of the current direction of Manchester United, the way the club is being run and recent statements made but Sir Jim Ratcliffe, we wish to issue a statement of no confidence.
"This week, Manchester United were knocked out of the Carabao Cup following another defeat at Old Trafford. Days earlier, we lost at home to a Manchester City side reduced to 10 men. We sit 13th in the Premier League with four points from four games.
"As always, the immediate reaction will be to point at the manager. Then the players. Then the coaching staff. But Manchester United supporters have been doing this for more than a decade. Managers have changed. Players have changed. Coaching teams have changed. Executives have changed. The cycle hasn't. At some point, we have to stop looking at the latest person standing in the dugout and start looking at those responsible for the direction of the football club."
Adding: "For years, the Glazer ownership has presided over Manchester United's decline. When Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS arrived, many supporters hoped it would finally signal meaningful change.
"We were among those who hoped. Instead, our confidence in the ownership structure has continued to erode. Supporters have continued to turn up, travel and spend their money through years of underachievement. And what have they received in return?
"Higher ticket prices. A stadium allowed to deteriorate. Years of poor decision-making. Vast sums spent without sustained success. And a football team that continues to fall further behind where Manchester United should be. The manager didn't create this cycle. The players didn't create this cycle. The people making the decisions did."
