⚽ Manchester United Takeover: UAE Consortium Reportedly Preparing Full Bid Amid Renewed Ownership Uncertainty
Ever since the Glazer family’s controversial takeover of Manchester United in 2005, ownership of the club has remained one of the most polarising subjects among fans.
🏟️ Background: From Protest to Partial Change
From the outset, supporters have voiced their anger through demonstrations, chants, and the now-iconic green and gold scarves, symbolising opposition to the Glazers’ rule. Nearly twenty years later, the American family still retains control of the club.
However, in late 2023, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group acquired a minority stake in Manchester United, taking charge of all football-related operations.
Since Ratcliffe’s arrival, sweeping reforms have taken place across the club’s structure — from recruitment and analytics to infrastructure and leadership. Yet the so-called new era has not been universally welcomed. Some fans have expressed discontent over staff cutbacks, controversial appointments (notably that of Dan Ashworth), and a perceived lack of clear progress.
💼 Fresh Takeover Rumours Emerge
Despite INEOS’ influence, talk of a complete sale has resurfaced following reports of a possible bid from a UAE-based consortium.
According to The Guardian, a group of investors from the United Arab Emirates is currently raising capital to prepare a formal offer for full ownership of Manchester United. The consortium is reportedly seeking backing before approaching the six Glazer siblings, who remain majority shareholders.
Intriguingly, the potential buyers are said to be courting former United legends — including Eric Cantona, Wayne Rooney, and David Beckham — to serve as public ambassadors for their proposal. Among them, Beckham is reportedly viewed as the most appealing figurehead due to his global reach and brand influence.
🏙️ Possible Manchester City Links
A report by Football365 raised eyebrows over possible connections between the UAE group and Manchester City’s ownership network. Former City financial adviser Stefan Borson noted that Gulf-based investments often overlap, suggesting there could be “associated or related-party links” among investors from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and existing football entities.
While no evidence of direct affiliation has surfaced, the observation has added another layer of intrigue to the potential takeover.
💰 The Glazers’ Valuation
Sources suggest that the Glazers would consider a sale only if bids exceed £5.2 billion, more than double Manchester United’s current estimated market value.
Such a figure would make any deal one of the most expensive in sports history — surpassing even recent takeovers involving Chelsea and Washington’s NFL franchise.
🔮 What Comes Next?
For now, the situation remains fluid. The UAE investors’ identities have yet to be disclosed, and no formal proposal has been submitted.
Should prominent figures or official ambassadors be confirmed, however, momentum could quickly build toward a credible full takeover bid.
Until then, supporters continue to watch closely — some hopeful for long-awaited change, others wary that another chapter of ownership instability could be on the horizon.
