Sheikh Al Thani fears the Glazers won’t sell Man United after nine-month saga

Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani is concerned the Glazer family are reneging on their purported plans to sell Manchester United.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe in May despite submitting bids exceeding £5 billion a few months ago.

Insiders familiar with the situation suggest the Qatari consortium are leading the race. However, Al Thani and Ratcliffe are yet to match the Glazers’ lofty £6bn valuation. 

This protracted stand-off comes nearly nine months after the Glazer family, who took the reins in 2005, initially announced their willingness to relinquish control of the club.

Anticipation swelled for a seamless transition, with many people hoping it would be done before the summer transfer window.

Raine, the US merchant bank entrusted with overseeing the sales process, set an April deadline that has since passed without many developments.

There are now calls for financial authorities to assert pressure on the Glazers via the New York Stock Exchange. 

These calls are to force United to take a clear course of action, thereby mitigating the perceived indecisiveness surrounding the ownership transition. 

Some members of Raine feel they are being asked to sell an asset not genuinely available for purchase.

Man United supporters have shown their discontent with the situation. 

The 1958, a group accusing the American ownership of a prolonged period of ignorance and silence, recently staged a demonstration near the Holy Trinity Statue outside Old Trafford. 

This protest coincided with the team’s first Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers. 

Familiar ‘Glazers Out’ banners dotted the scene, highlighting the persistent demand for change. The protestors also announced more demonstrations.

Before the Wolves game, the Manchester United Supporters Trust accused the Glazers of holding the club and fans hostage.

United’s future remains uncertain. There is no movement regarding the deal, and the Glazers look set to stay in charge of the club despite the fan outcry.