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Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani’s bid to take control of Manchester United could finally sound like the death knell for the controversial Glazer family at Old Trafford.
After much public interest in his bid, it has now come to light that this is not the first time Sheikh Jassim has been involved in discussions about taking over Manchester’s red half.
As reported by The Athletic, in 2010 the Red Knights, a group of wealthy United fans, wanted to oust the Glazers from the club.
Part of his plan was to involve overseas investment with the group asking the Qatari royal family if they wanted to partner, in a bid to gain control of United.
The Qataris showed interest and talks were then held in Doha, and it can now be revealed that Sheikh Jassim was among those present.
Sheikh Jassim was in his mid-20s at the time, but had already been in his role as Chairman of the Islamic Bank of Qatar for several years, a position he still holds today.
It is suggested that he was there more because of his love for United than because he was in a position to make the big decision. An anonymous source has suggested that he was interested in the idea of taking over.
“He seemed very interested in the idea,” the source said. An idea that is now very much a possibility.
Sheikh Jassim’s initial offer is believed to be around £4bn, which is below the glazers’ £6bn valuation.
The disparity in numbers, coupled with only two public bidders submitting, has led to the belief that the Glazers may not be ready to cede control of the club.
Interest in the club has not been as widespread as perhaps anticipated due to the number of bidders that came in for Chelsea last summer.
Sheikh Jassim’s bid continues to lead the race to win control at Old Trafford, ahead of Jim Ratcliffe and his US-funded consortium, who are the only other public bidders.
The Glazer family is reportedly divided on whether or not to sell and Avram Glazer was in attendance at the League Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.
Avram sat down with Sir Alex Ferguson and took part in the post-match dressing room celebrations, hardly looking like a man desperate to get rid of the club.
Moving the Glazers would be the icing on the cake of what could be an unforgettable season for United fans.
United are still fighting on three fronts and could take another step towards FA Cup glory by beating West Ham United on Wednesday for a place in the quarter-finals.
