In the ever-evolving landscape of football ownership, potential suitors for Manchester United are making headlines once again. Recent conjecture points towards a UAE-based consortium showing interest in acquiring the Red Devils. However, a football finance expert warns that complications could arise due to potential links with cross-town rivals Manchester City.
The buzz surrounding Manchester United’s ownership kicked into high gear when Saudi Arabian boxing promoter Turki Al-Sheikh stirred the pot with claims that a takeover of the club was in the ‘advanced’ stages. Al-Sheikh initially caused a ripple among the United faithful by posting on X: “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, he quickly sought to clarify his comments, emphasising his role as an enthusiastic supporter rather than an involved party or representative of Saudi interests.
Reliable sources have since reported that an undisclosed UAE consortium is in talks to acquire the club from the Glazers, having already met with United officials in London recently. However, football finance commentator Stefan Borson raises potential issues with a UAE takeover, given Sheikh Mansour’s prominent role in the UAE and his ownership of Manchester City.
Borson reflected on the matter with Football Insider: “I don’t think any of it is likely, to be honest. I could be proven wrong. Immediate concerns could arise around associated party transactions. There are intricate ties between businesses within Saudi and UAE, which could pose complexities in related party transactions.”
Borson also questioned the timing and secrecy of the potential deal, pondering why an interested party would emerge now, having not participated in prior acquisition processes. “How have they maintained secrecy if negotiations are indeed progressing? Why has there been no formal announcement to the New York Stock Exchange? And what valuation would be placed on United? Would someone truly pay a premium price of potentially $33 (£24.58) per share?”
This development certainly adds another layer to the narratives swirling around Old Trafford, with the potential UAE interest promising to keep Manchester United in the business section as much as it does the back pages for the foreseeable future.
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