"Well-placed sources..." - Saudi Arabia and Qatar linked with potential Man Utd takeover bids

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have both been linked with Manchester United takeover bids.

In November, United owners, The Glazers, formally announced their desire to examine potential sources of outside investment, that could include a full sale of the Old Trafford club.

The Americans took control of United in 2005 in a £790million deal largely funded by dept.

However, their reign has been marked by fan protests, a lack of investment off the pitch and a steep decline in quality on the pitch.

Indeed, the Old Trafford side has not won the Premier League title since 2013 and sacked a series of managers following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.

Several prospective buyers have been reported, including US-based venture capitalists, oil-rich Middle Eastern backers and European consortiums.

According to a new report, the Glazers could receive takeover bids for United from interested parties in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

United takeover offers imminent

According to the Telegraph, United have received serious takeover interest from the Middle East, with the club poised to invite a formal bid by a mid-February deadline.

Indeed, ministers in Saudi Arabia and Qatar had previously played down the prospect of a state-backed bid for the club, given competing interests in Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United.

While there is no concrete information that either party is placing a bid, the publication cites “a well-placed source” who has warned against ruling out the two nations.

There are said to have been a number of conversations with a series of wealthy Arabic investors while there is also reportedly a keen appetite from the US and Asia.

British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe is also allegedly monitoring the situation closely though formal talks are yet to begin.

The Ineos business mogul is thought to be ready to table a bid, though the figure would be dependent on the club’s qualification for the Champions League, which will be determined in May.

Topics: Manchester United, Football, Qatar, Saudi Arabia

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.