Gary Neville explains why Qatari takeover would attract 'greater scrutiny' at Manchester United

Former captain Gary Neville has suggested that Manchester United would be under greater scrutiny than either Manchester City or Newcastle United if the club was sold to Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani.

The Qatari banker, along with British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is one of the leading contenders to purchase the club from the Glazer family. He tabled his first bid back in February and has remained in the running ever since.

The prospect of a takeover coming to fruition at Old Trafford, however, has stalled in recent months, with no significant updates developing since June, at which point Sheikh Jassim tabled his fifth offer to buy the club. There has been speculation recently suggesting that the Glazers are considering pulling the plug on a potential sale.

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Despite Sheikh Jassim emerging as the most likely buyer, with Ratcliffe targeting a majority stake, concerns have been raised within United's fan base and further afield about the club having connections with Qatar. As a result, Neville believes the prospect of his former club having Qatari ownership would attract plenty of attention.

Neville, speaking to MARCA said: "I am not opposed to 'state-clubs'. I have not opposed Newcastle or Manchester City. I think United will be under greater scrutiny because the size of the club is enormous.

"The reality is that Abu Dhabi has owned Manchester City for 15 years, so I think the important thing in English football is that the control of the owners, not only of the 'state-clubs', but also of the venture capital funds that are entering the Premier League to exploit English football.

"The Premier