Manchester United have been taken by surprise after Saudi chief Turki Al-Sheikh claimed on social media that the club is close to securing a new investor. In a post on his X account on Wednesday night, Al-Sheikh wrote: 'The best news I heard today is that Manchester United is now in an advanced stage of completing a deal to sell to a new investor. I hope he's better than the previous owners.'
The post emerged just hours after an interview with United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, in which he gave no indication of plans to relinquish control. Neither Ratcliffe nor the Glazer family have suggested they are preparing to sell their shares.
Al-Sheikh, the driving force behind Saudi Arabia's 'Riyadh Season' entertainment programme, has previously been involved in boxing promotion. He is reportedly in talks about hosting a mid-season friendly match for United in Saudi Arabia to boost income. Manager Ruben Amorim acknowledged the need for such a fixture, stating: 'We have to do it... We have to compensate for a lot of things.'
In 2023, Qatari Sheikh Jassim bid approximately £5.5 billion for full control of United but failed to provide proof of funds. Ratcliffe ultimately secured a minority stake. There has been no suggestion that Sheikh Jassim will revive his bid.
United sources expressed surprise at Al-Sheikh's claims, with supporters and staff members reportedly taken aback by the 'update'. The club has not officially commented on the matter.
