All the latest on speculated investment in Manchester United.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group own a 29 per cent stake in Manchester United, after originally purchasing 27.7 per cent in 2023, following a drawn-out takeover battle.
In late 2022 the Glazers invited ‘strategic investment’ in Manchester United, with fans dreaming of a total takeover, and saying goodbye to them for good.
Instead they chose to retain their majority stake in United, with no party meeting their valuation for a full takeover.
They accepted Ineos’ investment with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s group running the football operations at the club, and this week the billionaire told The Times: “We’re local, and they’re the other side of the pond.
“That’s a long way away to try and manage a football club as big and and as complex as Manchester United. We’re here with feet on the ground.”
Latest on possible Manchester United investment
Hours after Ratcliffe’s interview, an unexpected development emerged via an unlikely source.
Saudi Arabian businessman Turki Al-Sheikh dropped a cryptic message on social media, claiming: “The best news I heard today is that Manchester United is now in an advanced stage of completing a deal to sell to a new investor – I hope he’s better than the previous owners.”
United In Focus insider Graeme Bailey has made inquiries into the club’s situation, and Manchester United are not aware of any imminent offer.
However, there is believed to be a group of mystery Dubai-based investors who have an interest in Manchester United.
The Glazers currently value United at more than £5billion, and although not looking to sell – they would be open to a deal if their price was met.
Al-Sheikh has now issued an update, rowing back on the certainty of his claims.
He posted on X: “My yesterday’s post 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.”
Ineos have right to match all offers for Manchester United
Ineos have a 27.7 per cent stake in Manchester United, paying £1.3 billion almost two full years ago. They invested an extra £237 million to increase that stake in 2024, taking their holdings to 29 per cent.
In August 2025, a ‘drag-along’ clause was became active in Ineos’ original agreement, which allows outside parties to make an offer.
Finance expert Adam Williams told United In Focus at the time: “If the six Glazer siblings accepted an offer above $33 per share for outright control of United – whether from a sheikh, a private equity titan, or anyone else the Premier League deems fit and proper – then Ratcliffe would have no choice. He would be legally obliged to sell.”
Jamie Bajwa, former equity research analyst for Goldman Sachs and chief financial officer at Velocity Black explained: “There is a minimum price which any buyer needs to pay. That’s $33 per share. That was Sir Jim’s entry point. So, he would effectively get his money back, including the $300m additional investment.”
But crucially, Ratcliffe and Ineos have a right to match all incoming offers. Bajwa added: “Both sides have a right of first offer to purchase Class B shares before they are sold to any third party.”
Money rules for the Glazers and door has always been open
During Manchester United’s takeover process, interested parties valued Manchester United at a total of £5billion.
The Mail reported how the Glazers had a higher estimation, valuing United at a ludicrously high £10billion.
And even if this was just a negotiating ploy, to meet them in the middle at £7.5billion was deemed too expensive by interested bidders.
This was why the Glazers settled for a minority investment based on Ineos’ total valuation of United at £4.5bn.
The Glazers took the view that Manchester United’s valuation may soar in the future, if there was more success on the pitch, or the landscape of television rights changed.
The record sum paid for a sports franchise came this year when a consortium led by Mark Walter agreed to purchase NBA team the LA Lakers for a deal worth £7.45billion.
The Glazers’ door being open for a new bidder is not a surprise. Since 2022, it has been clear that they would listen to offers.
At the moment the rumoured interest is at its early stages, and a long way from playing out into something more substantial.
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