Manchester United’s takeover saga has been growing more and more frustrating due to the Glazer’s inability to budge on their stance.
Britain and INEOS head Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatar’s banker Sheikh Jassim have been fighting a tough race to take over the club.
Sheikh Jassim has expressed confidence in his prospects of successfully acquiring Man United through a takeover.
While there are still significant steps to be taken before any deal is finalized, the potential purchase has sparked discussions on how it could bring about transformative changes for the club.
Here, we examine five ways in which Sheikh Jassim’s ownership could reshape Manchester United in the future:
1. The summer transfer window
Despite Manchester United’s recent signing of Mason Mount for £60 million, the Glazer ownership is unlikely to make significant investments in the transfer market if they expect their tenure to come to an end.
Nevertheless, United have expressed interest in acquiring Andre Onana and is also monitoring midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.
The club is particularly in need of a striker and has a shortlist of potential candidates, including Rasmus Hojlund and Randal Kolo Muani, although acquiring any of them would require a substantial fee.
If a takeover happens in the near future, it could provide manager Erik ten Hag with more freedom to make moves in the transfer market.
2. A stable financial condition at Old Trafford
The Glazer family, who borrowed nearly £300 million to purchase United almost 20 years ago, continues to receive dividends, with £33.6 million paid out in 2022.
These dividends were received despite the club announcing losses of £115.15 million during the 2021/22 financial year, leading to criticism from the Man United Supporters’ Trust, who believe there should be no rewards for failure.
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Furthermore, United have lost its position as the world’s richest team and now ranks third in terms of yearly revenues, trailing behind Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Sheikh Jassim’s financial stability would enable him to make long-term investments in the club.
3. Old Trafford renovation
For well over a decade, Old Trafford, the iconic home of Man United, have been in need of significant investment.
The stadium has remained largely unchanged since the addition of 8,000 seats in 2005, and fans have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with its current condition.
The cost of refurbishing Old Trafford is estimated to be around £200 million, a sum that the Glazer family is unlikely to commit to in the near future.
Also Read: Manchester United finally sign Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount
Reports from last year indicated that the club was considering a rebuild, but such a project would come with a substantial price tag.
Under Sheikh Jassim’s ownership, there could be an opportunity for United to revitalize and upgrade its stadium to a standard befitting one of the world’s most prestigious football clubs.
4. Upgrading training facilities
Former United striker Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his disappointment with the lack of investment in United’s training ground during an eye-opening interview with Piers Morgan in November of the previous year.
The renowned Portuguese forward even mentioned that some of the training equipment remained the same as when he departed the club in 2009.
With Sheikh Jassim’s financial resources, there would be an opportunity for substantial investment in the development of Carrington, United’s training facility.
Also Read: Sheikh Jassim is a ‘die-hard’ Man United fan and watches all the games
5. Owners involved in club activities
The hostile environment surrounding Man United, characterized by green and gold flags waving during home games as a protest against the Glazer ownership, has been a prominent feature.
Demonstrations occur outside the stadium, and “Glazers Out” stickers can be seen on lampposts throughout Salford. The club is overshadowed by an attitude of “Love United, Hate Glazers.”
Sheikh Jassim, reported to be a lifelong fan, is committed to restoring the club to its former glory. If he succeeds in fulfilling his promises, it would allow the fans to focus on their primary role of supporting the team, relieving the current tensions.
This would help the fans to connect with the owners more openly.
