More stories

  • in

    Has Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani put in a bid for Man Utd and what is his net worth?

    MANCHESTER UNITED are edging closer to the completion of a huge takeover – and Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani has officially made his interest known.The Glazers put the club up for sale back in November after 17 years of ownership.
    Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani has confirmed his interest in buying Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    But the United owners set a deadline of 10pm GMT on Friday, February 17 for potential buyers to submit their bids.
    It was reported that the Glazer family wanted £5billion to sell the English giants despite its current value of £2.9bn.
    And it seems as if Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani could be the man to give them what they want.
    Has Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani put in a bid for Man Utd?
    Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani, a member of the Gulf state’s ruling Royal Family, is aiming for a full buy-out of the Old Trafford club.
    And his father Hamad is a former Prime Minister of Qatar, made his formal approach to United’s bid supervisors, the US-based Raine Group, ahead of the “soft” deadline.
    In a statement issued on his behalf by a senior London PR company, Sheikh Jassim said he planned to “return the Club to its former glories both on and off the pitch”.
    The statement added: “Above all, the bid will seek to place the fans at the heart of Manchester United Football Club once more.”
    What is Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani’s net worth?
    Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani is part of the ruling royal family who have a collective net worth estimated to be at around $335billion (£275bn).
    Most read in Football
    The head of the royal family – Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, is estimated to be worth around $2bn (£1.6bn) alone. More

  • in

    Mason Greenwood secretly meets up with Man Utd teammates in attempt to rekindle career after rape charges were dropped

    MANCHESTER United striker Mason Greenwood has secretly met up with some of his teammates after attempted rape charges were dropped.The 21-year-old is keen to rekindle relationships with them in a bid to resurrect his Old Trafford career.
    Mason Greenwood has secretly met up with some of his teammatesCredit: AFP
    He remains unable to play for United or train with the squad while an internal investigation is under way.
    But a source said: “He’s reached out to some of the United players, some of them he’s known since his academy days.
    “They’ve met up with him in private to hear him out so they can make their own mind up.”
    Greenwood also reached out via social media to other term-mates, some older and married with kids.
    READ MORE MASON GREENWOOD
    It comes as the Red Devils are currently on a 16-match unbeaten run.
    Another source said: “There is a level of sympathy for someone who is innocent in the eyes of the law and a long-standing teammate.
    “But the players are absolutely focused on keeping this juggernaut on the road.”
    We revealed boss Erik Ten Hag phoned Greenwood in the wake of his case being dropped.
    Most read in Football
    It was the first time they had spoken since the Dutchman arrived last summer.
    The player, who earns a reported £100,000 a week, was arrested in January 2022.
    This month prosecutors dropped charges of attempted rape, ABH and coercive or controlling behaviour.
    However some members of United’s women’s team are reported to have concerns about him returning to training at Carrington, where they share facilities.      More

  • in

    Qatari Sheikh confirms £5BILLION Man Utd takeover bid as Sir Jim Ratcliffe also beats deadline with HUGE promise to fans

    THE head of Qatar’s biggest bank has unveiled himself as the latest bidder to take full control of Manchester United.Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani, a member of the Gulf state’s ruling royal family, last night confirmed he has lodged an offer — believed to be up to £5billion — for “100 per cent” of United.
    Man Utd could be set for a huge takeover, with a bid from Qatar now officialCredit: Rex
    Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani is behind the massive bid for United from Qatar
    The Glazers, including co-chairman Avram and Joel, revealed last November they were open to selling the clubCredit: AFP
    He also vowed to “return the club to its former glories” and make it “completely debt free”.
    One of Britain’s richest men, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and his Ineos group also made a bid ahead of last night’s 10pm ‘soft’ deadline.
    Locally-born United supporter Ratcliffe, 70, has pitched that he will put “Manchester back into Manchester United” with a “British bid to make the club a beacon for a modern, progressive, fan-centred approach to ownership.”
    Saudi and US-led consortia are also believed to be in the contest.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Sheikh Jassim, whose father Hamad is a former Prime Minister of Qatar, made his formal approach to United’s bid supervisors, the US-based Raine Group.
    The 41-year-old, educated at the elite Sandhurst military academy in Berkshire and who claims to be a lifelong United fan, emerged as the man behind the previously secretive Qatari bid.
    And the decision by the Qatari, chairman of the QIB bank which has assets of £42bn, to put his head above the parapet could be the most significant of all in the battle for United.
    Any deal at the £5bn mark would smash the record price for a sports team – with NFL franchise Denver Broncos currently the most expensive after a £3.8bn takeover last year.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL

    However the Qatari offer still falls below the Glazer family’s £6bn asking price.
    In a statement issued on his behalf by a senior London PR company, Sheikh Jassim said he planned to “return the Club to its former glories both on and off the pitch”.
    The statement added: “Above all, the bid will seek to place the fans at the heart of Manchester United Football Club once more.”
    While United fans have grown increasingly angry at the Glazer family piling debt on the club, the potential Qatari owner is promising a very different strategy.
    His PR group said: “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.”
    It is now up to Raine to take the next step, which is expected to see a shortlist of bidders made, as when the bankers sold Chelsea to Todd Boehly’s group.
    The Qatari offer will raise questions over potential links with Paris Saint-Germain, owned by the £370bn Qatari Investment Authority.
    Uefa has rules to bar clubs from its competitions in any season if owners have “decisive influence” over two clubs which qualify – as they did for year’s Champions League.
    The QIA have a 17 per cent stake in Sheikh Jassim’s QIB bank, although his team say he is making the offer through his private wealth.
    The Rainbow Devils, a United LGBTQ+ supporters’ group, have raised concerns about interest from Qatar, where same-sex relationships are criminalised.
    Read More on The Sun
    A statement read: “Rainbow Devils believe any bidder must commit to making football a sport for everyone, including LGBTQ+ supporters, players and staff.
    “We therefore have deep concern over some of the bids that are being made.”
    British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe is also in the runningCredit: AFP
    Several parties have expressed interest in buying the Red DevilsCredit: AFP
    The bidder’s father, ex-Qatar PM Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, was thought to also have shown interestCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

  • in

    Man Utd handed huge boost for Europa League as Barcelona confirm star faces a ‘MONTH OUT’ with injury

    MANCHESTER UNITED have been handed a major boost ahead of their Europa League second leg against Barcelona.Barca’s star midfielder Pedri suffered a muscular injury to his right leg during Thursday’s 2-2 Nou Camp thriller.
    Pedri is likely to miss the second leg against Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    The Spaniard was forced off within 40 minutes with the injury, which has now been confirmed by the club
    A Barcelona statement read: “The tests carried out this Friday morning have confirmed that Pedri has an injury to the rectus femoris of the right thigh.
    “He is low and his evolution will mark his availability.”
    Local reports now suggest the Spain international could be facing up a to a month out.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Pedri was replaced by Sergio Roberto and had to watch from the bench.
    Former Chelsea man Marcos Alonso opened the scoring before United fought back with a goal from United’s Marcus Rashford and an own-goal from Jules Kounde.
    But Barcelona levelled the tie ahead of the second leg through Raphinha.
    The next clash between the two sides will take place next Thursday at Old Trafford.
    Most read in Europa League
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    After the game, both managers were left unimpressed with referee Maurizio Mariani.
    Xavi believed that Barcelona should have had a penalty after Fred appeared to handle the ball in the box.
    While Erik ten Hag was fuming after a foul was not given to Marcus Rashford, for which he was booked for his protests to the official. More

  • in

    Man Utd fans shun Qatar with Sir Jim Ratcliffe the most popular bidder… and just FOUR PER CENT want Glazers to stay

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans have voted for their preferred option for the club takeover.And, in a tight race, supporters have told SunSport that they would prefer British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe to takeover the club from the Glazers.
    Manchester United fans have voted in favour of Sir Jim Ratcliffe to become the new owner of the clubCredit: PA
    The deadline for bids for the club is tonight at 10pm and there has been a host of interest.
    Ratcliffe has made his desire to own the Old Trafford outfit since before the Glazers put the club up for sale.
    And, as a fellow supporter of the club, 45.75 per cent of fans have voted in favour of him running the club.
    The Brit has experience in football as he is the current owner of Ligue 1 side OCG Nice.
    READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS
    However, there were plenty of people that would prefer a takeover to be completed by the Qatari group of investors, who got just ONE per cent less of the votes.
    44.55 per cent of fans voted for the Qatari investors.
    As reported by L’Equipe, the entity in question is a former Prime Minister of Qatar, Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani, cousin of the father of the current Emir of Qatar and owner of PSG, Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.
    They are believed to be willing to offer £5billion for the club.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    There was a small percentage of people that opted for the Glazers to remain in control of the club.
    3.59 per cent of the vote went to the current owners, however, this was the smallest share of the vote.
    While 6.11 per cent of people voting did not want any of the previous options and would prefer another entity took over the club. More

  • in

    Qatari Man Utd bidder’s father ‘is ex-Prime Minister with former World Cup organiser set to be named chairman’

    DEADLINE day is upon those who are interested in taking over Manchester United. Interest from a number of parties has been revealed ahead of Friday’s 10pm cut-off point, most notably from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatar.
    Today is the deadline for prospective buyers of Man Utd to submit bids as the Glazers prepare to sellCredit: Getty
    The Glazers are said to want around £6bn for UnitedCredit: AFP or licensors
    Former Qatar Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber bin Al Thani is he father of bidder Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al ThaniCredit: Getty
    Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani is behind the massive bid for United from Qatar
    Qatar’s bid in particular has raised questions, given how Qatar Sports Investment already own Paris Saint-Germain.
    Uefa rules stipulate “no individual or legal entity may have control or influence over more than one club participating in a Uefa club competition”.
    However, one incoming United bid from Qatar is set to come from a different entity, therefore satisfying Uefa chiefs that no rules are broken.
    The entity in question emerged on Friday as Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani, son of former Prime Minister of Qatar, Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    The pair are directly related to the current Emir of Qatar, and owner of PSG, Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.
    Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani was responsible for the Gulf state’s successful bid for the 2022 World Cup.
    The 63-year-old has also been labelled as “the man who bought the city” following his massive investment into London real estate.
    Son, Sheikh Jassim, is head of Qatar’s biggest bank and a self-proclaimed lifelong United fan.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    If a bid is successful, two World Cup organisers could be in the reckoning to run the mammoth operation that is Manchester United FC.
    L’Equipe journalist Loïc Tanzi has reported Qatar World Cup CEO Nasser al-Khater and Secretary General Hassan Al-Thawadi would be in the running to take over roles as club CEO or president.
    The bidding for United could see the winner forced to meet the Glazers’ £6bn asking price, with investment into the club’s infrastructure including stadium and training facilities factoring in as additional costs.
    Regardless, Uefa have been called upon to block any proposed Qatar bid for the club by human rights group FairSquare. More

  • in

    Jake Paul reveals ex-Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo will be ringside for Tommy Fury grudge match in Saudi Arabia

    JAKE PAUL has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo will be ringside for his grudge boxing match against Tommy Fury in Saudi Arabia.The 38-year-old joined Saudi side Al Nassr late last year after having his Manchester United contract ripped up.
    Jake Paul said Cristiano Ronaldo will be at his fight with Tommy Fury in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Top Rank Boxing
    Ronaldo plays for Saudi side Al NassrCredit: AFP
    Ronaldo has settled into life in the Middle East quickly, scoring five goals in three games, with four of those coming in his last appearance.
    But he’s set to be joined by two big sports and social media stars in Saudi in the coming week.
    Paul is taking on long-time boxing rival Fury on 26 February.
    And according to Paul, Ronaldo will be ringside for the fight.
    READ MORE ON JAKE PAUL
    When being mobbed by young fans while out on a run, Paul said in a TopRank video when asked whether he will see Ronaldo: “Yeah, I think he’s coming to the fight.”
    Paul, 26, comes into the fight at 6-0 but faces his first opponent with a recognised boxing record.
    That follows after wins over ex-MMA champions Ben Askren, 38, Tyron Woodley, 40, and Anderson Silva, 47.
    The YouTuber-turned boxer has prepared for the fight almost 800 miles away in Dubai.
    Most read in Boxing
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    Meanwhile Fury, 23, is flying out to Saudi following a training camp in Manchester and Bolton.
    The stakes have been raised even more after the WBC announced Paul will earn a world ranking if he wins.
    Any challenger for the world title must be ranked within the top 15, meaning he is one victory away from a title shot. More

  • in

    Man Utd star Diogo Dalot wanted in shock transfer by Real Madrid as full-back’s contract runs down at Old Trafford

    SPANISH giants Real Madrid are considering a move for Manchester United’s Portuguese right back Diogo Dalot, according to reports. Dalot arrived at Old Trafford following a £19million transfer from FC Porto in 2018.
    Diogo Dalot in action for Manchester United against LeedsCredit: Getty
    Dalot arrived at Old Trafford in 2018Credit: Getty
    The 23-year-old has just over a year left on his contract with his current deal set to expire in the summer of 2024 after the club triggered a year extension recently.
    The right back has been in excellent form this season and has established himself in the Portugal setup, starting three out of their five games at the World Cup.
    United legend Cristiano Ronaldo was very impressed with the right back’s professionalism.
    He said: “He’s one of the most professional youngsters I’ve ever met.”
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Spanish outlet AS have reported that the Red Devils have been trying for months to get Dalot tied down to a new deal and don’t want to head into the summer with the player having 12 months left on his contract.
    This has alerted Real Madrid who are in the market for a right back as they look for a long term successor to Dani Carvajal.
    The report added that the Spanish champions could look to seek a reduced fee or sign the Portuguese on a free transfer like they did with David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger.
    Dalot has made 60 appearances for Manchester United and has yet to find the back of the net.
    Most read in Football
    He spent the 2020/2021 season on loan at AC Milan where he scored once in 21 appearances. More