Conflicted Man Utd fans left with mixed feelings over takeover bid from Qatar

On Feb 18, 2023

Manchester United fans have been left with mixed feelings after club received a takeover bid from Qatar.

Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani confirmed on Friday night that he had submitted an offer to buy United from the Glazer family before he club’s 10pm deadline. Al Thani is the chairman of one of Qatar’s biggest banks, the Qatar Islamic Bank, and is one of a number of bidders, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe also tabling an offer.

However, United fans are conflicted about the prospect of a Qatari-led takeover of the club due to the country’s human rights record and similar concerns in football surrounding the recent FIFA World Cup, despite the strong opposition to the current owners.

While many are jubilant about the prospect of the Glazers being replaced by a wealthy owner, others have reacted to the news of Al Thani’s bid differently on social media, as one fan tweeted: “I speak for all United fans when I say we don’t want Qatar owners.”

Another wrote: “You’re either a rival fan or on drugs if you don’t want Qatar to takeover Manchester United.” A third supporter added: “I don’t mind as long as they operate within the rules, and invest where the club needs it.”

Meanwhile, one more fan commented: “It is what it is, would have preferred owners like Ineos/Ratcliffe but as long as the Glazers go, it’s fine.”

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Manchester United fans have mixed feelings about a Qatari takeover
(Image: Getty Images)

Al Thani confirmed he had put in a bid to buy United before the club’s self-imposed Friday night deadline in a statement.

In the statement, he explained: “Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani today confirmed his submission of a bid for 100 per cent of Manchester United Football Club.

“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 bid will be completely debt free via Sheikh Jassim’s Nine Two Foundation, which will look to invest in the football teams, the training centre, the stadium and wider infrastructure, the fan experience and the communities the Club supports.

“The vision of the bid is for Manchester United Football Club to be renowned for footballing excellence, and regarded as the greatest football club in the world. More details of the bid will be released, when appropriate, if and when the bid process develops.”