Saudi Arabian billionaire Turki Al-Sheikh shared cryptic posts on social media earlier this week, claiming that a deal to sell Manchester United was close to being finalised
Sir Jim Ratcliffe consoles Ruben Amorim, head coach of Manchester United, after the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Estadio San Mames on May 21, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain
Sir Jim Ratcliffe consoles Ruben Amorim, head coach of Manchester United, after the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Estadio San Mames on May 21, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain
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Claims of a potential takeover at Manchester United have reportedly been met with surprise by insiders close to Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Earlier this week, Turki Al-Sheikh set tongues wagging when he suggested that the Reds were in 'advanced negotiations with a new investor'.
claims United officials were taken aback by the Saudi Arabian billionaire's activity on X, stating his reports were 'news to them'. They reported that Ratcliffe and his INEOS team didn't believe Al-Sheikh's claims.
On Wednesday night, the Saudi government official stirred the pot by claiming that United were on the brink of sealing a deal. Given Ratcliffe's somewhat recent acquisition of a minority stake, many speculated that Al-Sheikh's cryptic post was aimed at the Glazers.
On social media, he wrote: "The best news I heard today is that Manchester United is now in an advanced stage of completing a deal to sell to a new investor... I hope he's better than the previous owners."
The Saudi tycoon, who owned Spanish club Almeria from 2019 until earlier this year after they failed to secure promotion to La Liga, shared the post with his seven million followers. It quickly went viral, racking up a staggering number of views, likes and shares.
Al-Sheikh provided an update on the alleged negotiations on Thursday evening. He said: "My yesterday's post about Manchester United's potential sale meant one thing: the club is in an advanced negotiation phase with a new investor.
Turki Al-Sheikh, President of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority (GEA) attends the press conference prior to the super middleweight title fight between Saul Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford in Blvd City, Bakr Al Sheddi Theatre on June 20, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Turki Al-Sheikh has shown Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family just how desperate Man Utd fans are to see change
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"Just to clarify, I am not the investor, nor are they from my nation. I'm posting this as a fan who wishes the deal to happen, though it might not necessarily happen."
The Times also explained why Ratcliffe could be left out of the loop if the Glazers decided to suddenly sell. Noting that just because the British billionaire has a 30 per cent stake, that doesn't mean the Glazers won't consider cashing in without consultation.
The report added that the family would 'definitely sell United for the right price'. It also unearthed a clause inserted into Ratcliffe's deal, which was triggered in August this year, allowing the Glazers to sell their stake if they received the 'right offer'.
They report claims that a bid of $33 a share could be enough to tempt the family to sell the whole club. While Al-Sheikh's post reignited speculation of a takeover, Ratcliffe has shown no indication of walking away from Old Trafford.
In a recent appearance on The Business podcast, produced by The Times and The Sunday Times, the British billionaire insisted he retains control of football operations at the club.
When questioned about what would occur if the Glazers instructed him to dismiss Ruben Amorim, Ratcliffe responded: "It's not going to happen."
The INEOS chief, who has held just under 30 percent of United since February 2024, continued: "That probably sums it up. We're local, and they're on the other side of the pond.
"That's a long way away to try and manage a football club as big and complex as Manchester United. We're here with feet on the ground. They [the Glazers] get a bad rep... but they are really nice people and they are really passionate about the club."
Highlighting his long-term vision, the 72-year-old stated: "Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years."
When asked if the United manager is granted three years to turn things around, Ratcliffe confirmed: "Yes. That is where I would be. Three years. Because football is not overnight. It's three years.
"You also look at [Mikel] Arteta at Arsenal. He had a miserable time over the first couple of years. We have to be patient. We have a long-term plan. It isn't a light switch.
"You can't run a club like Manchester United on knee-jerk reactions to some journalist who goes off on one every week..."
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