Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Jaber Al Thani confirms Manchester United takeover bid

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Jaber Al Thani, the chairman of one of Qatar’s biggest banks - Qatar Islamic Bank, has confirmed he has submitted a bid to takeover Manchester United. Potential buyers were asked to table their proposals by 10pm on Friday’s for the club’s soft deadline.

A statement confirming the bid from Al Thani said: "Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani today confirmed his submission of a bid for 100 per cent of Manchester United Football Club.

"The bid plans to return the Club to its former glories both on and off the pitch, and — above all — will seek to place the fans at the heart of Manchester United Football Club once more.

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"The bid will be completely debt free via Sheikh Jassim's Nine Two Foundation, which will look to invest in the football teams, the training centre, the stadium and wider infrastructure, the fan experience and the communities the Club supports.

"The vision of the bid is for Manchester United Football Club to be renowned for footballing excellence, and regarded as the greatest football club in the world. More details of the bid will be released, when appropriate, if and when the bid process develops."

Al Thani - the son of former Qatari prime minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, also known as HBJ - becomes the second party to formally declare his interest in purchasing United following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s January confirmation. The club was put up for sale in November with the board stating it was to “explore strategic alternatives”.

The M.E.N. understands that current bids are only indicative and once bidders reach the next stage of the process they will enter a 'data room' where potential purchasers will