Is Manchester United About to Be Sold Again?

Asianet News English

Manchester United’s ownership drama may not be over just yet. Saudi Arabia’s sports chief Turki Al-Sheikh, one of the most influential figures in global entertainment and sport, has dropped a stunning hint that Manchester United could be sold to a new investor — sparking intense speculation among fans and football insiders.

Transcript

00:00Manchester United could be on the brink of a major shake-up, again.

00:15And this time, the rumours are coming from one of the most powerful figures in global sports,

00:21Saudi Arabia's Turki al-Sheikh.

00:24Turki al-Sheikh, head of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority,

00:29recently hinted at a potential takeover of Manchester United.

00:33The news came in a casual post on X, formerly known as Twitter, where he said,

00:39"...the best news I heard today is that Manchester United is now in an advanced stage

00:45of completing a deal to sell to a new investor.

00:48I hope he's better than the previous owners."

00:51Now, it's not clear if this is fact, speculation, or a jab at the current Glazer owners.

00:57Or even Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who bought nearly 28% of the club last year for £1.25bn.

01:07Why the timing?

01:08Manchester United are in a unique spot right now.

01:11Last season's Europa League heartbreak, losing to Tottenham in the final, cost them over £100m.

01:19That includes a £10m repayment to Adidas under their £900m shirt deal.

01:26With no Champions League football this season, United's calendar is wide open,

01:32and so is a black hole in their finances.

01:35And this is where Saudi Arabia comes in.

01:38The kingdom is ready to host Manchester United during Riyadh season, a festival of sports,

01:44entertainment, and music running from October to March.

01:48Industry sources suggest United could earn over £10m for playing there this season.

01:55There are three main options on the table.

01:58Riyadh.

01:59Season Cup.

02:00A three-way tournament against Saudi's top clubs, Al Nasser, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Hilal.

02:08United could earn £5m per game, plus prize money and commercial revenue.

02:14Exhibition game.

02:16A shorter visit to play a Saudi all-star team similar to PSG's January 2023 game, worth around £5m.

02:25Warm weather training plus friendly, United could train in Riyadh and play a one-off game against Ronaldo's Al Nasser,

02:33again earning roughly £5m.

02:36To put it in perspective, the last time United visited Saudi Arabia in 2008 for a testimonial match against Al Hilal,

02:47they earned just £1m.

02:50The financial upside today is massive by comparison.

02:54The club has plenty of open dates this season, especially after early exits in the Carabao Cup

03:01and absence from European competition.

03:04That leaves months of potential free space, perfect for international friendlies or tournaments like the Riyadh Season Cup.

03:12So, could Turkey Al Sheikh's comments signal a real takeover,

03:16or just a strategic move to bring Manchester United to Saudi Arabia for a friendly?

03:22The Glazers, after all, have previously rejected offers, including one from a Qatari consortium.

03:29Whether this is a genuine bid, a nudge to attract more attention, or a subtle critique of past owners, one thing is clear.

03:38Manchester United is in the spotlight, both on and off the pitch.

03:43From Europa League disappointment to potential Saudi riches, Manchester United's next move could reshape the club's future.

03:52Will it be a historic takeover, or just a lucrative mid-season tour?

03:57Only time will tell.

04:00What do you think, Red Devils fans?

04:02Could a Saudi takeover finally happen?

04:04Drop your thoughts in the comments.

04:06We will let you know.

04:07We will...

04:21Wank-up out.

04:23That's OK!

04:25Wank-up out.

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