Manchester United Denies Sale Rumors Amid Saudi Interest
Manchester United officials have dismissed claims made by Saudi sports executive Turki Alalshikh, stating that the club is in advanced negotiations for a sale to a new investor.
Alalshikh, who has 7.2 million followers on X, announced on the platform, "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." However, multiple sources close to the club have refuted this assertion.
Until Alalshikh clarifies his statements, many questions remain unanswered.
The Friendly Plan
It is anticipated that discussions will take place between Manchester United and Saudi authorities in the coming weeks regarding a potential mid-season friendly match, aimed at generating funds in light of the club's absence from European competition.
While it remains uncertain whether United will face a Saudi Pro-League team or a European counterpart like AC Milan, head coach Ruben Amorim emphasized last week, "We have to do it. We knew that when we missed Europe, we had to compensate for a lot of things, including our fans and the budget. So we are putting everything together to achieve that."
On Sunday, Alalshikh revealed the latest Riyadh Season schedule, which currently does not include any football events, although it is believed that a game could be added. He mentioned that the brand value of the extensive lineup of sporting events has now reached $3.2 billion (£2.39 million).
The Saudi Link to the Glazers
While no active deals are currently in place, there is a historical connection between the Glazer family and Saudi Arabia. In 2017, Manchester United entered a Memorandum of Understanding with the country’s General Sports Authority (GSA).
When the agreement was announced, United stated that the objective was to assist the GSA in developing its football industry as part of its Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its economy. The club committed to lending its business and sporting expertise to clubs and sporting authorities in Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, in 2008, United signed a lucrative five-year sponsorship deal with Saudi Telecom, which was extended for another five years in 2013. These agreements fueled speculation regarding a potential Saudi buyout of the Glazer family; however, United sources consistently downplayed such rumors, and no deal ever materialized.
Could It Happen?
It remains unclear whether a Saudi acquisition of Manchester United would pass the Premier League's Owners and Directors Test. Sheikh Jassim's attempted purchase of the club did not progress far enough for the league to rule on it. However, since there was no competing Qatari owner, it could not be dismissed on conflict of interest grounds.
This situation differs with Saudi Arabia, whose Public Investment Fund (PIF) has owned Newcastle United since 2021. The Saudi Pro-League has four clubs—Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli—under PIF management, making it unlikely that the Premier League would permit multiple ownership from the same ultimate source, even if different individuals are in charge.
Solid Relationship
In a recent interview with The Times' new podcast, The Business, Sir Jim Ratcliffe discussed the operational dynamics at Manchester United. He now owns nearly 30% of the club following his partial purchase last year. Although the Glazer family remains involved, they are allowing Ratcliffe to make all major decisions.
"We’re local, and they’re the other side of the pond," Ratcliffe stated. "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 attend board meetings, and we engage in discussions about various matters."
When asked what would happen if the Glazers instructed him to dismiss Amorim, Ratcliffe responded, "It absolutely wouldn’t happen because it’s just a good working relationship."
The terms of Ratcliffe's investment include a 'drag-on clause' effective from August 2025, stipulating that he must sell if the Glazers accept an offer exceeding the $33 per share he paid for the club. Ratcliffe referenced this clause at a news conference in 2024, indicating that he does not foresee needing to invoke any legal agreements.
Recent financial accounts released last month noted additional restrictions in place until February 2027, including limitations on acquiring another club and distributing dividends between the parties. However, one of the exceptions allows for transactions related to a change of control.
Despite the complexities, Ratcliffe's comments suggest a solid working relationship with the Glazer family, countering any speculation of behind-the-scenes negotiations. This brings us back to the initial post and subsequent denials, leaving many to wonder when clarity will be achieved.