Sir Jim Ratcliffe has left the club with an immediate effect as the New owners are set to takeover the club as New Owners.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani, a Qatari banker, has long expressed his ambition to take full control of Manchester United, and speculation is growing that he may yet get another opportunity. Reports suggest that the Glazer family, the club’s American owners, could sell their remaining shares later this year, following an agreement made in 2024 between INEOS and the Glazers. Under the terms of that deal, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who currently holds a minority stake, has the right of first refusal on any additional shares the Glazers decide to offload. While Ratcliffe has made no secret of his desire to eventually take full control, uncertainty lingers over how the club’s supporters would react to such a move.
Should the Glazers choose to sell their remaining shares in 2025, many believe Sheikh Jassim would revive his bid for a complete takeover. The Qatari businessman, who was previously unsuccessful in his efforts to buy the club, is said to have been deeply disappointed by that outcome. His consortium, the Nine Two Foundation, initially tabled an offer in February 2023 with a bold vision for United’s future. Their proposal outlined a plan to make the club debt-free while investing heavily in its squads, training facilities, Old Trafford’s redevelopment, and initiatives to improve the overall fan experience. The ultimate goal, according to Sheikh Jassim’s group, was to restore Manchester United’s status as the premier football club in the world.
Meanwhile, Ratcliffe’s first year as a minority owner has been met with mixed reactions. In December 2023, his INEOS Group secured a 25% stake in United by purchasing both Class A and Class B shares at $33.00 per share, a deal worth approximately £1.03 billion. The agreement also placed INEOS in charge of the club’s football operations and included a commitment of $300 million for improvements at Old Trafford. However, the early months of his tenure have been challenging, with widespread cost-cutting measures—such as staff reductions and rising ticket prices—drawing criticism from employees and fans alike. Despite investing heavily in the squad and making managerial changes, United’s performances on the pitch have been underwhelming, leaving them languishing in 15th place, far from Champions League contention. Frustration among supporters has only grown, with some likening Ratcliffe’s approach to that of the unpopular Glazers, whom he was expected to replace.
With United struggling both on and off the pitch, the possibility of a full takeover remains an open question. If the Glazers decide to step away completely, Sheikh Jassim could return to the table, reigniting a battle for control of one of football’s most storied clubs.
