Sheikh Jassim the favourite to buy Manchester United as talks begin

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani is emerging as the favourite to buy Manchester United ahead of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, with each party due to hold its first face-to-face meeting with the club executive this week.

Representatives of Thani, a Qatari banker who is seeking to purchase United via his Nine Two Foundation, are expected to meet the hierarchy in Manchester on Thursday. It is understood Thani is currently the favoured bidder of the Glazers due, in part, to his potential to open up business opportunities in his region to the American owners.

There is also a sense that the Glazers have not yet warmed to Ratcliffe, the owner of Ineos, who is Britain’s richest person and is due to be at United on Friday along with advisers. He plans to travel after watching his club Nice play in the Europa Conference League on Thursday at home to Sheriff.

Thani is intent on buying 100% of United without taking on any debt, while Ratcliffe is thought to want only the Glazers’ 69% share, perhaps using investment. Elliott Investment Management, a US fund, does not want to buy the club but is ready to offer finance to a buyer.

Elliott was at Old Trafford last Thursday for the Europa League last-16 first-leg win over Real Betis, for the first face-to-face meeting regarding the sale.

Sign up to Football Daily

Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football

after newsletter promotion

United announced on Wednesday that they would tour the US in the summer, with San Diego, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New York thought to be destinations for a series of games.