Qatar Man Utd bidder is 'lifelong supporter' who already has a HQ in United Kingdom

Sheikh Jassim Bin Ham Al Thani - who has bid for Manchester United - is believed to be a lifelong Red Devils fan, and he already has numerous ties to the UK through his bank

Posted Sunday, February 19, 2023 by Dailystar.co.uk

Wealthy Qatar national Sheikh Jassim Bin Ham Al Thani has launched a Manchester United takeover bid

Manchester United have received a takeover bid from wealthy Qatar national Sheikh Jassim Bin Ham Al Thani.

The Sheikh, who is chairman of a leading Qatari bank QIB and is believed to be a lifelong United fan, is leading a consortium from the Middle East. QIB, which was established in 1982, has quickly become one of the leading banks in Qatar.

And the Sheikh is no stranger to the UK with QIB's headquarters now being based in London. On top of that, Al Thani was educated in the United Kingdom at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, where he graduated as an officer cadet.

A statement read: "Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani has confirmed his submission of a bid for 100 per cent of Manchester United Football Club.

"The bid plans to return the club to its former glories both on and off the pitch, and – above all – will seek to place the fans at the heart of Manchester United Football Club once more.

"The bid will be completely debt free via Sheikh Jassim’s 'Nine Two Foundation', which will look to invest in the football teams, the training centre, the stadium and wider infrastructure, the fan experience and the communities the club supports.

"The vision of the bid is for Manchester United Football Club to be renowned for footballing excellence, and regarded as the greatest football club in the world."

The Sheikh will face stiff competition from British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe - who also announced his intentions to purchase the Red Devils on Friday evening.