Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani, a prominent Qatari banker, has long harbored ambitions of owning Manchester United.

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani, a prominent Qatari banker, has long harbored ambitions of owning Manchester United. His initial bid, presented through the Nine Two Foundation, was built on the vision of restoring the club to its former glory while eliminating its financial burdens. However, despite his well-documented passion and financial strength, Sheikh Jassim ultimately lost the battle for United’s ownership to British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Now, new developments suggest that the tides could be turning in his favor once again.

According to Bloomberg, a previous agreement between INEOS and the Glazer family in 2024 may open the door for a full sale of Manchester United later this year. This clause gives Ratcliffe the first right to acquire any remaining Glazer-owned shares, which could either consolidate his control or, in an unexpected twist, lead to a new takeover bid from Sheikh Jassim. With uncertainty surrounding Ratcliffe’s long-term plans, the possibility of fresh Qatari involvement cannot be ruled out.

From the beginning, Sheikh Jassim’s proposal stood apart due to its focus on financial security. His plan to make Manchester United completely debt-free was a major selling point among supporters disillusioned by the Glazers’ leveraged buyout model. His vision extended beyond financial restructuring, as he also promised massive investments in infrastructure, including the long-overdue redevelopment of Old Trafford and the Carrington training complex.

Moreover, his proposal included substantial funding for both the men’s and women’s teams, aimed at elevating the club’s competitiveness across all levels. This vision aligned perfectly with fans who have grown frustrated by years of mismanagement and underperformance. The Nine Two Foundation also vowed to support local communities in Manchester, emphasizing a holistic approach to club ownership that transcended the football pitch.

Despite these promises, Sheikh Jassim’s bid was ultimately unsuccessful, with the Glazers opting instead to sell a 25% stake to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS Group in December 2023. The deal, valued at £1.03 billion, granted Ratcliffe significant influence over footballing operations, effectively making him the de facto sporting director. Additionally, INEOS committed a further $300 million for club developments, reinforcing their long-term commitment to the project.

Ratcliffe’s initial months as a stakeholder, however, have not gone entirely to plan. While his arrival was met with cautious optimism, growing frustrations have emerged among supporters due to unpopular cost-cutting measures. Reports of job cuts within the club’s backroom staff and an increase in ticket prices have caused discontent, leading many fans to draw unflattering comparisons between Ratcliffe’s regime and that of the Glazers.

On the pitch, Manchester United’s performances have been equally underwhelming. Despite significant investments in new signings and managerial adjustments, the team currently languishes in 15th place in the Premier League, far from the Champions League positions. The decline has reignited debates over whether Ratcliffe’s leadership is the right direction for the club or if a fresh takeover is needed to bring about meaningful change.

Adding to the turmoil, some insiders suggest that the Glazers may still consider an eventual full sale, opening the door for Sheikh Jassim’s return. The Qatari banker, known for his unwavering support for Manchester United, could be waiting in the wings, ready to launch a new bid if circumstances align in his favor.

If Sheikh Jassim does re-enter the fray, the battle for ownership would once again ignite fierce debate among fans. Many see him as the ideal candidate to restore Manchester United’s prestige, given his financial muscle and commitment to revamping the club’s operations from top to bottom. Others, however, remain skeptical about foreign ownership and worry about the influence of state-backed entities in football.

Ratcliffe, on the other hand, has maintained that his investment is a long-term project. While his start has been rocky, some argue that he deserves more time to implement his vision. INEOS has a proven track record in sports management, particularly in cycling and sailing, and Ratcliffe himself has expressed confidence that his methods will yield success if given patience and proper execution.

Regardless of which direction the club’s ownership takes, one thing is certain—Manchester United is at a crossroads. The club’s long-standing issues, both on and off the pitch, require decisive action. Whether it is Ratcliffe consolidating control and making tough but necessary decisions, or Sheikh Jassim reviving his bid to introduce a bold new era, the next few months could shape the club’s future for decades to come.

United fans, accustomed to disappointment under the Glazers, will closely watch how these ownership dynamics unfold. A return to the club’s former heights remains the ultimate goal, but the path to achieving it is still uncertain. With growing unrest among supporters, every decision made in the boardroom will be scrutinized intensely.

As the saga continues, Sheikh Jassim remains a name that refuses to fade from the conversation. His willingness to inject capital and transform Manchester United into a dominant force once again is an enticing prospect. However, Ratcliffe’s determination to prove himself as a competent football club owner means he won’t relinquish control easily.

Manchester United’s ownership battle is far from over, and as 2025 unfolds, the club’s fate hangs in the balance. Will Ratcliffe ride out the storm and prove his critics wrong, or will Sheikh Jassim return with an irresistible offer that changes the course of history? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—United fans won’t have a quiet year ahead.