Qatari media chief makes U-turn on Sheikh Jassim Manchester United takeover claim

The Qatari media outlet that claimed Sheikh Jassim had won the bidding process to take over Manchester United has backtracked on its original report.

The potential sale of United by the Glazers has been ongoing for several months, with the American family announcing in November that they were exploring 'strategic alternatives' for investment.

Multiple parties expressed interest throughout, but via a series of deadlines both Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe emerged as the two front-runners.

The news broke late on Monday evening that the Qatari banker's bid - which is for a 100% takeover from the Glazers - had been successful amid competition from INEOS founder Ratcliffe.

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Qatari-based media outlet Al Watan claimed an announcement was imminent, with their editorial director Fahed al Emadi adding: "The announcement of the deal will be very soon."

Sheikh Jassim's camp have since described the reports as pure speculation, however, stating they remain in a 'holding pattern' and expect the next step to be a consideration of both bids by the board.

On Tuesday, El Emadi seemed to U-turn on the original claims, tweeting: "Contrary to certain media and social media reports overnight, Al Watan is not owned by Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, and Al Watan's media report yesterday speculating about possible movement in the Manchester United takeover process was based on international media reports, as stated in the article itself, and with such news widely circulating periodically in international media for many months."

Sheikh Jassim's fifth bid - made last week - came with the caveat that he would not continue the process beyond last Friday, with