Qatari group resolute on £5bn bid for Man Utd amidst Ratcliffe’s new offer

A protest in 2022 against the Glazers family outside Old Trafford in Manchester
A protest in 2022 against the Glazers family outside Old Trafford in Manchester. Photo by Shutterstock.

The Qatari group, spearheaded by Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad al-Thani, is standing firm on their £5 billion proposal to acquire Manchester United, according to The Times.

The Qatari’s are standing firm on their offer despite the threat posed by a new deal being tabled by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

The unfolding scenario reveals the Glazers giving serious consideration to Ratcliffe’s £1.5 billion bid for a 25% stake. This could potentially set the stage for a gradual takeover at Old Trafford.

Those privy to the dealings have described Ratcliffe’s altered bid as “practical”. Originally, Ratcliffe sought the Glazers’ 67% stake.

However, insiders believe that the adjustment in Ratcliffe’s offer might be a manoeuvre to coax the Qatari group into enhancing their bid.

Even though the Glazers’ valuation of Manchester United sits at a lofty £6 billion, the Qatari group is of the opinion that this estimation might be ambitious.

Their perspective is underscored by the club’s evident struggles on the field, a daunting debt of nearly £1 billion, and the undeniable requirement for upgrades at both the Old Trafford stadium and its training amenities.