Turki Al-Sheikh offers Man Utd takeover update after claiming 'deal is advanced'

Saudi Arabian billionaire Turki Al-Sheikh has dismissed rumours that he is in discussions with Manchester United about a potential takeover. On Wednesday evening, the tycoon suggested that the Red Devils were nearing an agreement with a new investor. On X (previously known as Twitter), he posted: "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."

His post, shared with his seven million followers, quickly went viral. It amassed over five million views, 12,000 likes, 3,500 shares and nearly 2,000 responses. However, on Thursday evening, Al-Sheikh clarified his comments. He stated: "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."

United were taken aback by the initial claim. Just before Al-Sheikh's tweet on X, an interview with Sir Jim Ratcliffe was published, where he gave no indication of plans to step down at Old Trafford.

Speaking on The Business podcast, produced by The Times and The Sunday Times, British billionaire Ratcliffe insisted that he remains at the helm of football operations at United. When questioned about what would transpire if the Glazers instructed him to dismiss Ruben Amorim, Ratcliffe responded: "It's not going to happen."

The INEOS chief, who has held just under 30 per cent of United since February 2024, further commented: "That probably sums it up. 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 complex as Manchester United. We're here with feet on the ground. They [the Glazers] get a bad rap... but they are really nice people and they are really passionate about the club."

Al-Sheikh's social media activity naturally caused a stir among the club staff. Ratcliffe also hinted that he'll continue to oversee football operations for the foreseeable future, alluding to his long-term strategy.

"Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years," stated the 72-year-old. When asked if Amorim will be given three years, Ratcliffe answered: "Yes. That is where I would be. Three years. Because football is not overnight.

"It's three years. You also look at [Mikel] Arteta at Arsenal. He had a miserable time over the first couple of years. We have to be patient. We have a long-term plan. It isn't a light switch. You can't run a club like Manchester United on knee-jerk reactions to some journalist who goes off on one every week."