Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham gives verdict on Qatari bid for Manchester United

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham says nobody “feels completely comfortable” with Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s bid for Manchester United, but says a takeover would present the opportunity for dialogue about anti-discrimination issues.

Several campaign groups have raised concern over the welfare of human rights in Qatar amid suggestions that money used to buy United could come from the country’s much-criticised regime.

Sheikh Jassim, the son of former Qatar Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, insists that he is funding his 100 per cent buy-out bid entirely privately through his Nine Two Foundation.

There is little clarity over how and when the United takeover process will conclude amid fears from fans that unpopular current owners the Glazers could decide not to sell the club. UK billionaire and INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe is rivalling Sheikh Jassim’s bid with a majority stake offer.

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Burnham suggested that the bid from Qatar creates a level of unease but questioned whether all of the money circulating within any Premier League club is entirely legitimate.

When asked for his thoughts on the Qatari bid for United on The News Agents podcast, he said: “Well these are questions that everyone’s having to embrace in this Premier League era that we’re now in.

“I don’t think anyone feels completely comfortable about that and I’m going to be really clear about that. But the Premier League has moved into a place where, is all the money clean in any Premier League club?

“There’s associations