According to recent reports, Sheikh Jassim has not abandoned his ambition to fully acquire Manchester United at some point in the future.
He was a prominent bidder in the 2023 process, competing directly against Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Ultimately, Ratcliffe secured a 25 percent minority stake from the Glazer family for approximately £1.3 billion.
However, the period since Ratcliffe`s investment has been marked by significant challenges and difficulties for the club, including uncertainty regarding management and disappointing on-field performance.
Off the pitch, Ratcliffe has publicly voiced concerns about the club`s financial state, leading to significant cost-cutting measures and job losses.
Reports suggest the club`s total debt, including money borrowed and outstanding transfer fees, is around £1 billion.
This situation contrasts sharply with Sheikh Jassim`s 2023 bid, which proposed a full takeover and included plans to eliminate the club`s substantial debt.
Despite the outcome of the initial sale process, the Telegraph reports that Sheikh Jassim and his associates have not abandoned their ambition to eventually purchase the Red Devils.
While any direct connection has been officially denied, it is plausible that Qataris interested in acquiring a major European football club might consult Paris Saint-Germain owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi, given his extensive experience and network within the football world.
Notably, legendary former Man Utd manager Sir Alex Ferguson was recently a guest of Nasser Al-Khelaifi at events surrounding the Champions League final in Munich.
Ferguson attended an official pre-final dinner hosted by the PSG chairman.
He was also part of Al-Khelaifi`s contingent attending the final match itself.Under the terms of the 2023 agreement, the Glazer family retains the ability to sell additional shares or potentially the entire club, even without Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquiring full control.
However, the British billionaire does hold the right to make an offer on any further shares put up for sale by the Glazers.
During his 2023 bid, Sheikh Jassim deliberately avoided a public relations campaign, and relatively little remains known about the enigmatic figure who sought to take control at Old Trafford.
It is uncertain whether Sheikh Jassim would adopt a different approach if another opportunity to purchase Manchester United were to arise.
Adding to the intrigue, Sir Jim Ratcliffe himself publicly questioned Sheikh Jassim`s existence in February 2024. The United co-owner famously stated: “Still nobody`s ever seen him, actually. The Glazers never met him. He never… I`m not sure he exists.”
