On Man Utd takeover latest: Sheikh Jassim ‘pulling out’ record set straight after late bids tabled
Manchester United takeover candidate Sheikh Jassim was never on the verge of pulling out of the process, it has been claimed. The mysterious figure has been frustrated by the delay to proceedings, with the Glazers yet to make a final decision. And it’s also claimed he made late bids for the club because of fears he was losing ground to Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
It has now been eight months since the Glazers first confirmed they were open to potentially leaving Manchester United.
And, just weeks ago, there were suggestions that Sheikh Jassim could withdraw from the race amid frustrations over the delay.
Now, however, BBC Sport journalist Simon Stone has set the record straight.
He insists Sheikh Jassim was never going to withdraw, while also claiming he submitted late bids after the deadline because of fears Ratcliffe was in pole position.
“I was told a rumour the other day that Sheikh Jassim was about to pull out,” he told The United Stand.
“I checked that, and that was just dismissed.
“They can be frustrated. They can believe that they’re in pole position or that they’re behind. It comes back to the Glazers.
“The only thing that I would say – and there was a lot of reporting about this – when we were at the period of final deadlines which seems like months ago now, after that more bids came in from Sheikh Jassim.
“That was off the back of Sir Ratcliffe.”
Sheikh Jassim is committed to buying United.
The Qatari billionaire feels the Glazers have neglected the Red Devils, having ruled the roost ever since 2005.
