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      Who is Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim, what is his net worth and will he bid for Man Utd?

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      THE EMIR of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, is said to be interested in buying Manchester United.The Emir is a keen football fan, having bought Paris Saint-Germain in 2011 through Qatar Sports Investment.
      Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is a fan of Man Utd and could table a bid in the next few daysCredit: Reuters
      The Glazers revealed in November that they were willing to listen to offers for either a stake in the Premier League giants or an outright purchase.
      A number of parties have expressed an interest in buying United, which could be purchased for a world-record price for a sports franchise at £4.5billion, or more.
      Interest comes from the Far East, Middle East and United States with Raines Group, the merchant bank, tasked with the sale.
      However, Friday’s deadline for bids is rapidly approaching, and the Qataris are set to make the first move.
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      Who is Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim?
      Born on June 3, 1980, the Emir is the fourth son of the previous monarch, Hamad bin Khalifa. 
      He took over as the head of state in 2013, when his father abdicated the throne.
      Sheikh Tamim studied at Sherborne School in Dorset and at Harrow School.
      He then attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where he graduated in 1998.
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      Both Prince William and Prince Harry of the UK Royal Family attended the same training facility.
      Sheikh Tamim is the current owner of PSG through Qatar Sports Investment and has imposed dominance in France.
      However, the efforts to establish themselves as Europe’s best haven’t been as fruitful with the Parc des Princes club yet to win the Champions League.
      Sheikh Tamim has been married three times and has thirteen children in total.
      In total, the Emir has seven sons and six daughters.
      Sheikh Tamim has been married three times and has thirteen children in totalCredit: AP
      What is Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim’s net worth?
      Sheikh Tamim is estimated to be worth around £1.6billion alone.
      But the ruling royal family’s collective net worth is estimated at around £276bn.
      The Thani family hold investments in a number of properties around the world, including London’s Shard skyscraper, Olympic Village, Harrods department store, Canary Wharf, the Chelsea Barracks and New York’s Empire State Building.
      The royals also hold investments in Barclays Bank, British Airways and Volkswagen.
      The Thani family hold investments in a number of properties including The ShardCredit: Alamy
      Will Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bid for Man Utd?
      According to Bloomberg, yes.
      There have reportedly been talks between the Glazers and the Qatari investors.
      The report states the Qatar-based financers are “set to make an offer for Manchester United in the coming days” in a “move that would cement the country’s desire to become a major player in global sports”.
      It is said the initial bid is being thrashed out with help from officials at the sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority.
      The deeply unpopular Glazers want a world-record £6bn for the Old Trafford giants, who have not won a trophy since 2017 – although that figure may be lowered.
      A bid for Man Utd is expected in the next few daysCredit: EPA
      Can Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim own Man Utd and PSG?
      There are no restrictions on an owner acquiring multiple clubs at the same time in different countries.
      The owners of rivals Man City own another 10 football teams around the world.
      So yes, Sheikh Tamim could own Man Utd and PSG.
      Sheikh Tamim owns PSG as part of Qatar Sports InvestmentCredit: AFP
      Can both teams play in Champions League?
      Per Uefa rules, no.
      Uefa implemented an ‘Integrity of the Uefa Club competitions: Independence of clubs’ rule in 1998 which states that no two clubs participating in a Uefa competition may be directly or indirectly controlled by the same ownership group.
      This is defined by:

      The majority of the shareholders’ voting rights in another club in the same Uefa club competition;
      Or, another right to appoint or remove a majority of the directors in another club in the same Uefa club competition;
      As well as, majority of the shareholders’ voting rights (through a shareholders’ agreement) in another club in the same Uefa club competition.

      Therefore, if a Qatari group owned United while they and PSG qualify for the Champions League, the ownership group would more than likely have to choose who plays in it.
      These rules have been put in to place to protect the integrity of the competition.
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      However, Sheikh Tamim and Co are looking for ways around that with the bid coming from individual Qatari investors – not being a part Qatar Sports Investment.
      That would need to be proved with any ownership test certain to look into potential ties between them.
      Sheikh Tamim and Co are looking for ways around that with the bid coming from individual Qatari investors – not being a part Qatar Sports Investment so both Man Utd and PSG can play in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea new-boy Andrey Santos scores late winner as Brazil U20s clinch South American Championship to take tally to SIX

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      CHELSEA’S new signing Andrey Santos scored a late winner as the Brazil Under-20s won the South American Championship.The youngsters defeated Uruguay 2-0 in the final to get their hands on the Sudamericano trophy.
      Brazil’s Andrey Santos scored again in the finalCredit: AP
      Andrey Santos has captained Brazil to gloryCredit: AFP
      Andrey Santos and Vitor Roque have been Brazil’s standout playersCredit: AFP
      Santos has been one of the best performers in the tournament, netting six goals in eight games.
      His goal tally was the joint-highest in the competition and he shared the golden boot award with team-mate Vitor Roque, 17, with Barcelona keen on the Athletico Paranaense star.
      Santos is seen as a top prospect and he has also been captaining his country at the tournament.
      The 18-year-old headed home minutes from time to break the deadlock in the final before Pedro got a second in stoppage time.
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      The central midfielder is waiting for a work permit to finalise his move to Chelsea from Brazilian side Vasco da Gama for a fee that could rise from £11million to £18million.
      Despite his young age, the wonderkid played 37 times for the club, scoring on eight occasions to help his team gain promotion back to the top flight in Brazil.
      He is yet to join up with Graham Potter’s large squad.
      Santos faces a tough challenge as he aims to break into the Blues first-team, with a plethora of more senior options ahead of him in the pecking order.
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      However, he is relishing the challenge and looking forward to playing in Europe telling the club’s website when he signed: “It’s a very big opportunity for me.
      “This is a big club playing in big competitions like the Premier League so I am very excited.
      “The players here are so good and I am very happy to be here.”
      Santos was the second player to arrive at Stamford Bridge in their busy January transfer window.
      Owner Todd Boehly spent an eye-watering £330million last month on eight players, taking his overall cash splashing to a total of £606million. More

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      Trent Alexander-Arnold set up his own company aged 18 and is reaping rewards with seven-figure assets

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD’S limited company has recorded more than £3.5million in assets six years after he launched it aged 18.All Star Sports Ltd was set up in October 2016 to focus on the Liverpool wing-back’s image rights.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold has seen his limited company thriveCredit: Getty
      Now the England defender is being rewarded for his vision.
      The 24-year-old’s latest annual accounts up to the end of March 2022 show assets of £3,658,911 – an increase of more than £1.5m from the previous financial year.
      TAA joined his hometown club aged six and has long been known for his wise head on young shoulders.
      As a kid, he made a small fortune selling clothes worn by Liverpool and Everton players, saying the profits went to buying his parents a house.
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      And in 2019 he signed an extension to his boot deal with Under Armour in 2019, reportedly worth £6.4m over four years.
      On the pitch, Alexander-Arnold has won seven major honours since breaking into the Reds’ first team.
      The first of those was the 2019 Champions League, followed by the Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.
      His first domestic honour was the 2019-20 Premier League title before Liverpool won both the League Cup and FA Cup in 2021-22 then secured the Community Shield.
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      The full-back and Calvin Klein model remains the No1 choice for Jurgen Klopp, who has repeatedly defended some question marks over his ace’s defensive abilities.
      Alexander-Arnold has racked up more than 250 appearances for his boyhood club and represented England at two World Cups – but missed the Euro 2020 tournament through injury.
      He managed just 34 minutes at the 2022 World Cup, though, as he found himself behind Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker in the pecking order with Reece James out injured. More

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      Marcel Sabitzer reveals summer transfer plans with on-loan star forced to decide between Man Utd and Bayern Munich

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      MARCEL SABITZER is open to a permanent Manchester United transfer after praising the good spirit in the squad.The midfielder arrived on loan from Bayern Munich on deadline day.
      Marcel Sabitzer refused to rule out a permanent move to Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      He has only been at the club for less than two weeks but he is enjoying life under Erik ten Hag.
      Sabitzer, 28, praised the manager’s tactics as well as the atmosphere he has fostered in the dressing room.
      The Austria international was thrown straight into the team following Casemiro’s suspension but he revealed he is happy to play and did not rule out a permanent stay.
      He said: “It’s a loan at the moment, that’s all I can say.
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      “I like it here. I’m feeling very good here. I like the team, I like the club, the atmosphere in Old Trafford.
      “We will see what happens in the summer.
      “It’s been a busy few days. I had to come in quickly but I enjoy it. I like it so far. The team welcome me very well.
      ” It was a bit of a cold start but I had to step in quickly because of the Casemiro suspension. I’m ready for that and happy playing.
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      “You can feel it. From the first moment on, I felt very good in the team – good spirit, good goals, we’re a good team. It’s fun.
      “The manager talking to me a lot, what he’s expecting from me. I try to fulfil that. I’m feeling good with him and his tactics and I like it so far.”
      Sabitzer’s deal did not include an obligation to buy but the Red Devils are believed to be eyeing a permanent transfer.
      Ten Hag is also said to be hoping the prospect of a permanent move incentivises Sabitzer to perform to the highest level. More

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      How Man City could line up WITHOUT Haaland against Arsenal as top two set for huge title clash

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      MANCHESTER CITY are set to face Premier League leaders Arsenal in a huge top of the table clash on Wednesday – but they could be forced to line up without Erling Haaland.The striker, 22, picked up a thigh injury during City’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa at the weekend and was forced off at half time as a result.
      Haaland was forced off with an injury at the weekendCredit: EPA
      How Man City could line up vs Arsenal
      The severity of his injury is currently unknown, but he is expected to undergo some tests ahead of this week’s crunch clash.
      On Sunday, Man City boss Pep Guardiola told Sky Sports: “Erling has a kick and we will see.
      “We will assess him in the next few days to see how severe it is.
      “At half-time I spoke with the doctors to see and they said maybe at 3-0 we don’t need to take a risk and I agreed with the doctors.
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      “If the score was more tight maybe I wouldn’t do it. I think he’s not injured but tomorrow we will see.
      “Hopefully he can play there on Wednesday. If he’s not ready or it’s a risk he’s not going to play.”
      With Haaland a doubt for the upcoming clash with Arsenal, Guardiola may be forced to make some changes to his squad.
      World Cup winner Julian Alvarez, who has scored nine goals across all competitions so far this season, will likely replace the Norwegian in attack.
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      Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez both impressed during Sunday’s match against Aston Villa so they could retain their respective places in the line-up, providing support on each wing.
      Kevin De Bruyne returned to the starting line-up at the weekend after being named on the bench ahead of City’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham, so he will likely keep his spot alongside Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan in midfield.
      Nathan Ake, who scored the decisive goal in Man City’s FA Cup win over Arsenal last month, could earn his spot back following his impressive performance against the Gunners.
      With Ake potentially moving out to the left, Aymeric Laporte could shift inside to partner Ruben Dias in the middle of the defence.
      Kyle Walker is expected to retain his spot at right-back as he is most likely to match the pace of Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard.
      However, the England star could potentially make way for Rico Lewis, who starred for City last time they faced Arsenal.
      Despite the importance of Wednesday’s game, Guardiola could use the opportunity to experiment with a different formation.
      How Man City could line up against Arsenal
      With Haaland absent, the City boss could opt to play De Bruyne in a false nine position.
      The Belgium international briefly took up this attacking role at the end of last season, when Man City had a lack of options up front.
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      And Guardiola has regularly called upon him when his team have needed goals in the past.
      If De Bruyne does shift into this position, Portuguese playmaker Bernardo Silva could be re-introduced in midfield. More

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      First public bid for Man Utd expected as Qataris WILL make offer with Glazers’ deadline days away

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      THE first public bid for Manchester United WILL be made by Qataris.An offer is expected to be submitted with the Glazers’ deadline just days away.
      The Glazers are open to selling Manchester United but want bids this weekCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The Americans want a world-record £6billion for the Red DevilsCredit: Reuters
      The deeply unpopular American owners want offers sent in by this Friday, February 17, as they consider ending their 18-year reign.
      They are demanding a world-record £6billion for the Old Trafford giants, who have not won a trophy since 2017 – although that figure may be lowered.
      There have reportedly been talks between the Glazers and the Qatari investors.
      But now that interest has been stepped up with a formal bid expected, as reported by Bloomberg.
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      The report states the Qatar-based financers are “set to make an offer for Manchester United in the coming days” in a “move that would cement the country’s desire to become a major player in global sports”.
      It is said the initial bid is being thrashed out with help from officials at the sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority.
      However, it remains unclear if the Qatari interest has connections to the Qatari Sports Investment, the state-funded ground that owns Paris Saint-Germain and the possible ramifications that could have if both teams qualify for the Champions League.
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe is also interested in buying the Red Devils.
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      The life-long supporter and Mancunian, who failed in his attempt to buy Chelsea last year, has recruited powerhouses JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs to help with his bid.
      A David Beckham-led consortium, a group from Saudi Arabia and even Tesla and Twitter chief Elon Musk are also reportedly considering late offers.
      Joel and Avram Glazer, alongside Raine, are leading takeover discussions with the United board being kept in the dark, according to The Athletic.
      The Glazers reportedly believe the takeover process to be a family matter so club executives have been excluded from talks.
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe could submit his offer before Friday’s deadlineCredit: AFP
      Tesla chief Elon Musk is another potential bidderCredit: AFP More

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      Elon Musk ‘considering shock Man Utd takeover with £157bn-rated mad-cap Twitter and Tesla owner mulling £4.5bn bid’

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      TECH billionaire and the world’s SECOND richest man, Elon Musk, is considering a shock takeover swoop for Manchester United, according to reports.The Glazers revealed in November that they were willing to listen to offers for either a stake in the Premier League giants or an outright purchase.
      Elon Musk could throw his name into the ring to buy Man UtdCredit: AFP
      The Glazers invited bids for the club last yearCredit: AFP
      A number of interested parties have to meet Friday’s deadlineCredit: Getty
      A number of parties have expressed an interest in buying United, which could be purchased for a world-record price for a sports franchise at £4.5billion, or more.
      Interest comes from the Far East, Middle East and United States with Raines Group, the merchant bank, tasked with the sale.
      British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who happens to be a Man Utd fan, is also keen.
      But according to the Daily Mail, Twitter and Tesla owner Musk also LIKES Man Utd.
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      Musk, 51, who’s worth a reported £157billion, is one of a select few who could afford to buy the Red Devils.
      He is second only to Bernard Arnault, the CEO and chair of luxury goods company LMVH, worth a reported £156m.
      Musk is believed to be monitoring the situation closely following the listing of United.
      The South African-born brainbox is wondering if there is an opportunity at Old Trafford that he should not miss. 
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      However, Friday’s deadline for bids is rapidly approaching.
      Musk has previously sent his Twitter followers into a meltdown after claiming he was buying Man Utd.
      Elon Musk tweeted last August: “Also, I’m buying Manchester United ur welcome.”
      When asked if he was being ‘serious’, the Tesla chief said: “No, this is a long-running joke on Twitter.
      “I’m not buying any sports teams.
      “Although, if it were any team, it would be Man U. They were my fav team as a kid.”
      He added: “Standup is my side-hustle.” More

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      Arsenal legend Martin Keown calls for VAR to be SUSPENDED after series of ‘glaring mistakes’

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      ARSENAL legend Martin Keown has shockingly called for VAR to be suspended after a weekend of huge errors.His former club drew 1-1 with Brentford but the Bees’ equalising goal, scored by Ivan Toney, came after Christian Norgaard was offside in the build-up.
      Lee Mason supposedly forgot to draw the offside linesCredit: Sky Sports
      Martin Keown has been left raging at VARCredit: Getty
      VAR official Lee Mason supposedly forgot to draw the lines to determine if the Dane was offside as he was looking at another incident in the build-up to the goal.
      There was also controversy as Pervis Estupinian’s strike for Brighton was incorrectly ruled out for offside as John Brookes in Stockley Park made the decision based on the wrong Crystal Palace defender.
      The refereeing body, the PGMOL, have written to Arsenal and Brighton to apologise citing human error, meanwhile, and Howard Webb has called a meeting with all officials.
      However, a fuming Keown suggests VAR may need to be ditched until the refs can use it without big mistakes.
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      He told talkSPORT: “Is it getting to the stage where we have to suspend VAR until we get it absolutely right? These [mistakes] are glaring.
      “To forget to put a line in, I mean I’m trying to look at a comparable of that in any other job or walk of life.
      “Obviously, we want to progress in the Premier League, want to be ground-breaking and lead the way.
      “But you have to look at the process, these individual decisions. Have we got enough people in the actual booths? 
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      “In the World Cup, there were seven people in that room and they got everything pretty much right, didn’t they? There were good people, top people, well trained. We’re getting it wrong.
      ‘Maybe there aren’t enough people, maybe they’re not taking enough time. Just take your time and get the decision right.
      ‘I’m looking at Lee Mason being involved in a succession of mistakes in the VAR room. How many mistakes are you allowed to make?
      “We don’t want to come down too hard on people because it’s brand new technology, so I’m looking at the overall systems.
      “It’s not just one person, it’s a group of people making mistakes.
      “Maybe they need to look at the system here and more people need to be involved to make the right decision because it has lasting effects. 
      “Look at Brentford this weekend. People will say they deserved it, but not really. Offside is offside.
      “This is the one area they told us they can’t make mistakes. And they’re making glaring mistakes.”
      In response to the VAR horror show, Brookes has been taken off duty for the clash between Liverpool and Everton as well as Arsenal’s crucial game versus Manchester City in midweek.
      Although the PGMOL have only admitted two errors, fans believe there were more questionable decisions made at the weekend.
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      West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek appeared to handle the ball in the box against Chelsea.
      And Wolves’ Mario Lemina was given a second yellow card for being the third player to approach a referee to protest.

      Gunners fans are convinced Christian Norgaard was offsideCredit: Twitter
      Brighton’s goal was ruled out after the offside was based on the wrong playerCredit: Twitter: @BBCMOTD More