QATAR’S Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani vowed to return Manchester United to “its former glories” if he buys the club.
The chairman of Qatari bank QIB submitted a bid for the Old Trafford giants ahead of Friday’s 10pm deadline.
He is set to battle it out with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, one of Britain’s richest men, after the INEOS owner also lodged an offer.
Elsewhere, Saudi and US-led consortia are still believed to be in the contest. In a statement, Sheikh Jassim set out a plan to get Manchester United back to the pinnacle of football through a number of different steps.
Here SunSport breaks down what he has promised to do if he wins the takeover battle.
Redevelop the stadium
Part of Sheikh Jassim’s statement promised investment in the “stadium and wider infrastructure” at the club.
United legend Gary Neville has been vocal in his belief that the club’s 74,310 seater stadium and 112-year old home needs redeveloping.
Reports earlier this month claimed Old Trafford could even be demolished altogether under new ownership And a successful Sheikh Jassim bid would see him pump money into the stadium.
Put fans at the heart of the club
The Qatari bid said it would “place the fans at the heart of Manchester United Football Club once more.”
United supporters have been vocal in their protests against current owners the Glazers.
A whopping £33.6million in dividends was paid to Red Devils shareholders last year – despite the club finishing with its worst ever Prem points tally.
And Sheikh Jassim has promised fans will come first if he assumes the reigns.
Make the club debt free
United supporters have also been left furious by the Glazer family piling debts on the club, but Sheikh Jassim is promising a different strategy.
Friday’s statement revealed: “The bid will be completely debt free via Sheikh Jassim’s Nine Two Foundation.”
In September 2022, figures revealed that the Glazers had increased United’s debt by £95million over the previous 12 months.
But Sheikh Jassim’s offer comes without any debts, and is for “100 per cent” of the club.
Invest in the men and women’s teams
Shekh Jassim’s statement claimed a successful bid would see investment in “the football teams” at Manchester United.
The Red Devils didn’t make a permanent signing in January due to limited funds, instead signing Wout Weghorst, Jack Butland and Marcel Sabitzer on loan.
Manchester United Women are also set for investment if Sheikh Jassim takes control of the club.
The club are yet to win the Women’s Super League after being formed as a professional team in 2018, but they are currently top of the table, and new investment should make them regular challengers.
Update Carrington training HQ
Sheikh Jassim’s statement promised to deliver investment into the “training centre” if the bid is successful.
Club legend Cristiano Ronaldo criticised the club in his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan for not making any progress behind the scenes.
And the Red Devils are currently planning an overhaul at Carrington in order to keep up with the times.
