Man Utd news: X post sparks takeover speculation

A social media post by a prominent Saudi Arabian government official has ignited speculation surrounding the future ownership of Manchester United. 

Turki Alalshikh, the head of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA), took to X to claim that a deal to bring new investment to the club was in its final stage, posting: 

“The best news I heard today is that Manchester United is now in an advanced stage of finalising a deal to sell to a new investor… I hope they’re better than the previous owners.”

Given Alalshikh’s position within the Saudi government, many fans interpreted the post as a strong hint toward Saudi involvement in a potential takeover, possibly involving Alalshikh himself. 

However, the GEA chief later returned to X to clarify that neither he nor anyone from Saudi Arabia is involved in the investment, stating that his comments were made purely “as a fan who wishes this deal to happen.” 

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Journalists pour cold water on Alalshikh’s claims

Alalshikh’s claims took the internet by storm, sparking excitement and controversy over the potential investment. 

However, several journalists and sources close to the club have played down the prospect of a takeover. 

The Glazer family, who own the majority of Manchester United, are believed to value the club at over £5 billion, and would only consider offers in excess of that valuation. 

Despite this, Talksport has claimed that the group Alalshikh referenced may be based in the United Arab Emirates, and that several former United players have been approached about getting involved. 

Additionally, any potential takeover would have huge implications for INEOS’s minority ownership.

Under the terms of their stake, a ‘drag-along clause’ exists, which would force Sir Jim Ratcliffe to sell if the Glazers agreed to a deal above the price at which INEOS bought their shares. 

Could Saudi Arabia get involved with Manchester United?

While Manchester United has ties with Saudi Arabia’s sporting project – going back to 2017 when the club agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding with the GSA – any takeover bid by Saudi investors would face significant scrutiny from the Premier League.

Premier League rules prohibit an entity from owning multiple clubs within the league, due to potential conflicts of interest and collusion.  

With the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) already owning Newcastle United since 2021, a Saudi-led purchase of Manchester United would likely be blocked under the league’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test. 

Alalshikh’s recent involvement with the club appears to be related to their commercial aspirations. 

United are reportedly exploring the idea of staging a mid-season friendly in Saudi Arabia to boost revenue in the absence of European competition this season.

It is possible that Alalshikh may have gleaned some information on a takeover during those negotiations with United officials. 

Sir Jim Ratcliffe shows commitment to United

The speculation comes amid Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first major public interview since March. 

Speaking on The Times’ The Business podcast, Ratcliffe backed manager Ruben Amorim, saying he has “three years” to prove himself at United – a vote of confidence during a time of considerable pressure for the Portuguese coach. 

Ratcliffe also went on to comment on the Glazers and why INEOS are now in charge of the major decisions at the club. 

“We’re local, and they’re the other side of the pond,” he said.

“That’s a long way away to try and manage a football club as big and as complex as Manchester United. We’re here with feet on the ground. They come to the board meetings. We sit down and we talk about things.”

For the first time in over a decade, the club appears to be operating with a greater sense of cohesion at board level – even if that is not bearing fruit on the pitch. 

Still, any hint of a potential sale, no matter how authentic, continues to capture the imagination of a fan base who have grown increasingly tired with the Glazers’ ownership over the years.  

While we don’t know if Alalshikh’s claims are genuine or not, one thing is for certain: Drama is never too far away when it comes to Manchester United.

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