Middle East groups make enquiries to buy Manchester United

Manchester United’s ownership situation has come under renewed scrutiny, with the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe facing mounting pressure following another disastrous start to the season.

The Glazers have controlled United since 2005, with their controversial leveraged takeover leaving the club burdened by substantial debt.

Ratcliffe’s arrival in February 2024 initially offered hope of significant change, but INEOS’ handling of football operations has attracted increasingly fierce criticism.

United currently sit 16th in the Premier League, with Michael Carrick’s side winning just two of their opening 12 competitive matches.

Supporters have also protested against rising ticket prices, hundreds of redundancies and the continued deterioration of Old Trafford.

Former United captain Gary Neville recently demanded that the Glazers sell Manchester United, insisting that the family’s ownership had become unsustainable.

Middle Eastern investors make Manchester United takeover enquiries

Journalist Ben Jacobs has now revealed that investors from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates have made enquiries concerning Manchester United within the past 12 months.

Speaking on The United Stand, Jacobs explained that interest remains from the Middle East, although it does not specifically involve former takeover bidder Sheikh Jassim.

He described the Saudi Arabian interest as relatively general, involving private investors considering assembling an investment consortium.

However, interest from the UAE was more concrete, although discussions ultimately failed to produce a formal bid.

Jacobs also suggested uncertainty remains over the long-term intentions of both Ratcliffe and the Glazer family, questioning whether their current partnership can deliver sustained success.

The development comes amid reported tensions between United’s majority and minority owners.

Centre Devils recently revealed that Ratcliffe could be forced out of Manchester United if the Glazers agree to sell the entire club to another investor.

However, there is currently no indication that any of the interested Middle Eastern groups have submitted a formal takeover offer.

With supporters increasingly demanding ownership change, the emergence of further investment interest adds another dimension to United’s uncertain future.