Sheikh Jassim may be poised to make a sensational return to the Manchester United takeover picture, just months after stepping back from negotiations.
According to Express.co.uk, the Glazer family will soon be able to activate a clause known as drag-along rights, allowing them to push minority shareholders—like Sir Jim Ratcliffe—into selling their shares if a full takeover bid materializes.
The clause becomes relevant if a third-party offer, such as Sheikh Jassim’s, resurfaces. Reports claim that the Qatari banker remains interested in acquiring full ownership of the club through his Nine Two Foundation, having previously tabled an estimated £4.79 billion bid.
An advisor told the Daily Mail, “Sheikh Jassim is still a rich guy. He is still a United fan… The plans are still there.”
In contrast, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s current 28.9% minority stake—secured via a £1.25 billion investment—gave him partial sporting control. However, should a full buyout be triggered in the next 18 months, he could be compelled to sell and recover his investment fully.
His acquisition valued Manchester United at over £5 billion. While the Glazers’ true intentions remain unclear, recent reports have suggested internal unease over the club’s direction and a potential openness to future offers.
Should Sheikh Jassim return to the table in the coming months, it could force a seismic shift in the ownership structure, with growing fan support pushing for a complete exit of the Glazer family. His original plan reportedly included clearing the club’s debt, removing it from the New York Stock Exchange, and proposing a new stadium project.
At a recent press conference, Ratcliffe remarked humorously on his rival’s elusive nature: “Nobody’s ever seen him, actually. The Glazers never met him… I’m not sure he exists!”
Whether a new bid emerges or not, the 18-month financial window tied to Ratcliffe’s deal and the Glazers’ rights clause means the next few months could prove decisive.
Article updated 5 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
