Manchester United is headed for a change in its ownership. While “radio silence” surrounds the deal, insiders seem to know that the discussions between the Grazers and the potential buyers are at “advanced stages”. The current majority owners are rumoured to have already selected their preferred bidder but are yet to reveal who or what it may be.
The change in ownership will have far-reaching effects on the club, influencing everything from transfer decisions to betting promotions in Vietnam. But what exactly can fans expect?
An influx of money
Depending on the party to take over Old Trafford, it could mean a significant capital injection into the club. This would be welcome, considering that the famous football ground in Manchester is in dire need of redevelopment.
An influx of capital could also wipe out the club’s debts. At the end of 2022, the club had a debt of almost £1 billion (gross debt, credits, and outstanding transfer instalments), which prevented the club from any signings in the winter transfer window – they had to stick to loan deals. A massive influx of funds from either of the two contenders would help alleviate the situation, and allow the club to plug holes and improve their player lineup through transfers.
Changes in the management
Considering that the new owner (if any) of the club is still unknown, we base this part on rumours – so take everything you read here with a massive grain of salt.
It is rumoured that the new owner of Manchester United will sack Erik Ten Hag, bringing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer back to Old Trafford. Solskjaer led United for three seasons before leaving the club as a result of its poor run between September and November 2021. And, possibly, because of his apparent inability to handle Cristiano Ronaldo.
A brand new star
Another rumoured change the new owner (if any) is expected to make is a truly high-profile signing: that of Frenchman Kylian Mbappé. The 24-year-old’s contract with PSG expires next summer, and one of the major contenders is reportedly willing to lure him to Manchester when it does. Again, a grain of salt should be taken with this one.
Who are the contenders?
According to insiders, there are two potential buyers on the horizon for United. One of them is Ineos Group, owned by local billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe (with a current estimated net worth of around £21 billion. The other is Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Prime Minister of Qatar, worth about $1.2 billion. Needless to say, he was the one promising a new Solskjaer era and bringing Mbappé to Old Trafford.
There’s no telling which of the two contenders will leave with United in their pocket. One thing’s for sure, though: the negotiations will not affect the club’s 2023 transfers in any way.
