Saudi sports chief Turki Alalshikh has clarified comments he made surrounding a potential takeover of Manchester United on Wednesday night
Turki Alalshikh Clarifies Comments on Manchester United Sale Amid Investor Speculation
Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Alalshikh has clarified his recent comments suggesting that Manchester United were close to completing a sale to a new investor — remarks that initially sparked widespread confusion and speculation across social media.
In his original post, Alalshikh claimed he had “heard that United were in an advanced stage of completing a deal to sell to a new investor,” adding:
“I hope he’s better than the previous owners.”
He did not provide further details regarding the supposed investor, leading to uncertainty among fans and media outlets.
However, BBC Sport reported on Thursday that, according to multiple Manchester United sources, Alalshikh’s claims were not accurate.
In response to the mounting attention, Alalshikh has since issued a new statement via his official account, clarifying his earlier remarks:
“My post yesterday about Manchester United’s potential sale meant one thing — the club is in an advanced negotiation phase with a new investor. Just to clarify, I am not the investor, nor are they from my nation. I’m posting this as a fan who wishes the deal to happen, though it might not necessarily happen.”
(Images: Twitter/@Turki_alalshikh)
The Glazer family, United’s current owners, sold a 25% minority stake in the club to Sir Jim Ratcliffe in December 2023. Under the terms of that agreement, the Glazers reportedly retain a “drag-along” clause, allowing them to compel Ratcliffe to sell his shares — around 50 million in total — at approximately £26 per share if a new investor emerges.
Since Ratcliffe and his company INEOS took charge of football operations, major changes have been made at Old Trafford and Carrington. The club’s training complex was redeveloped earlier this year using £50 million of Ratcliffe’s promised £300 million infrastructure investment, while plans for a major Old Trafford renovation have also been unveiled.
Despite these developments, Ratcliffe has faced criticism over job cuts and high-profile decisions, including the appointment and subsequent dismissal of sporting director Dan Ashworth within just five months — a move that cost the club £4.1 million in combined compensation and severance payments.
He also extended Erik ten Hag’s contract following United’s FA Cup triumph in 2024, only to dismiss the Dutchman and his staff a few months later in October, resulting in another £10.4 million payout.
As speculation around the club’s ownership intensifies once again, Alalshikh’s clarification appears to have cooled immediate rumours — but questions remain about Manchester United’s long-term future under the Glazers and the extent of Ratcliffe’s influence behind the scenes.
