OPINION: The Saudis want to rule the sporting world to deflect from the state's dreadful reputation - and Manchester United could help them do it
12:20, 09 Oct 2025
Turki Al-Sheikh
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Turki Al-Sheikh can rule the sporting world at Manchester United(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
For longer than Manchester United supporters dare to remember, the Glazers have treated their club like a cash-cow.
For the record, the Floridian billionaires who own a 48.9 per cent stake in United, have spent two decades making hay while the sun shines.
Their takeover of United in June 2005 loaded the club with debt. And since then, around £1.2billion has been spent on debt interest, repayments, dividends and fees to the Glazers.
In short, the Glazers have sat back and milked a club they view as a business, more than a footballing institution. Despite not winning the Champions League since 2008 or the Premier League title since 2013, United continue to boast record revenues.
Never mind losses of £33m, the latest figures in June showed United generated revenues of almost £670m.
Joel Glazer - Avram Glazer
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The Glazers have never been popular at Old Trafford(Image: PA)
And this is despite the team not even being in the Champions League. United fans should turn the other cheek now, but who would want to give up such a good thing?
Not the Glazers, that's for sure. But perhaps the more pertinent question should be, who in their right mind would not want a piece of the United pie?
You'd have to be filthy rich, of course. But 'filthy rich' - and then some - is precisely what Turki Al-Sheikh is. The billionaire, who is worth north of £2billion, is the head of the sporting division of the Saudi Arabian government.
And someone hell bent on masterminding a sportwashing campaign aimed at improving the reputation of his nation's atrocious reputation, when it comes to human rights, political controversies and the treatment of women.
The Saudis already have the keys to the castle when it comes to LIV Golf. Formula One has succumbed to the vast wealth of the Saudis, along with snooker, while darts looks poised to follow suit. And in 2034 the greatest show on turf, the World Cup, will take place in the Middle East Kingdom.
Jim Ratcliffe co-owner of Manchester United FC
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe took over football operations at Manchester United(Image: Getty)
Al-Sheikh (or Turki as he is better known), also has his claws into boxing. His £1billion collaboration with DAZN, via Matchroom Boxing, has seen the biggest fights taken to Saudi.
Turki is also in partnership with UFC supremo Dana White, and boxing promoter Frank Warren back in the UK. And now speculation is mounting that he wants a stake in United.
INEOS, who own a 27.7 per cent share of United, are not in the conversation. Sir Jim Ratcliffe remains committed to the English giants, and has no interest in selling what he spent a lifetime striving to get his hands on.
But the Glazers, on the other hand, would be willing to sit round a table if the price was right.
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Although it would be one to stretch even the deep pockets of Turki. United's current value is around £2billion, but the Glazers would want a 'premium' based on potential future values.
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United are refusing to comment, and claim to have no knowledge of any negotiations taking place with the Saudis. But the Glazers could be plotting a sale in secret back in the United States.
Who knows? But one thing we do know is this. Money talks - and nowhere does it speak louder than in football.
And Turki and his mega-rich mates have proved to be the loudest, when it comes to their mission to control sport around the world.