Sky Sports reporter drops major update on Sheikh Jassim's bid to buy Man Utd after process branded a 'farce'

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani remains '100 per cent' committed to buying Manchester United despite the process being branded a 'farce' by a rival bidder.

In November the Glazers stunned the football and financial world by announcing they were undergoing a strategic review of United, that could result in the Americans selling the club.

Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim and British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe then submitted revised offers to buy the Premier League club last month, while Finnish businessman Thomas Zilliacus also entered the race with an unusual bid in which he promised to implement a form of fan ownership if successful.

However, United's owners have failed to accept any of the offers submitted and have now sanctioned a third round of bidding for the club.

Man Utd bidder respond

The decision to extend to process angered Zilliacus, who has now withdrawn his bid for United - attacking the Glazers in the process.

"I have declined participation in a third bidding round for United. The bidding is turning into a farce, with Glazers giving no respect to the club," he tweeted.

"The delays will make it very difficult for any owner to build a winning team for next season. Jim Ratcliffe, Sheikh Jassim and myself all were ready to negotiate a deal to buy United. Instead Glazers chose to start a new round.

"I will not participate in a farce set up to maximise the profit for the sellers at the expense of Manchester United."

Sky Sports News reporter Kaveh Solhekol claims Sheikh Jassim remains fully committed to buying the club.

He tweeted: "Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar will make a final offer for Manchester United before the deadline for third bids of Friday 28 April.

"He remains 100 per cent committed to buying 100 per cent of Manchester United."

The Glazer's desire for a third round of bidding has led to speculation that United owners are intent on keeping their stake in the club and are raising minority investment, while there is also a claim they could be seeking to attract other bidders.

Topics: Manchester United, Football, Premier League

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.