Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani's Qatari consortium will not make a fresh bid to buy Manchester United, despite reports that some Glazer family members are open to selling. The group attempted a full takeover in 2023 but was ultimately unsuccessful, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS completing a partial purchase for around £1.3bn.
According to Mail Online, a new bid is 'highly unlikely' as the group remains 'scarred' by their previous experience. A source representing the Qataris said in 2024: 'In an ideal world, then maybe we paid a little more to get it done. But we had already done that on a number of occasions. We felt like we were being used and the goalposts continually changed.'
Sheikh Jassim had outlined ambitious plans for the club in a 2023 statement, promising a debt-free bid through his Nine Two Foundation. He said: '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 Glazers, who have owned the club since 2005, are reportedly divided over a potential sale. Bloomberg indicated some family members are keen to sell and are trying to persuade others to join them. However, with the Qatari group out of the picture, it remains unclear who might step in.
Meanwhile, Sir Jim Ratcliffe's tenure has faced criticism, with sweeping redundancies and constant manager changes leaving fans unhappy. The club's financial outlook has stabilised, but supporter frustration persists.
