How Rupert Murdoch Changed Sports Media Forever
As the sale saga of Manchester United heads toward its supposed conclusion, bidders are looking for ways to enhance their offers.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani has pledged $1 billion toward improving club infrastructure if his bid is successful.
The facilities at Old Trafford drew unwanted attention when soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo criticized them in an interview with Piers Morgan last year.
“Nothing changed since I left,” said Ronaldo, who played for Manchester United from 2003 to 2009, then returned for two seasons in 2021. “I thought I would see new technology, infrastructure. I saw things I saw when I was 20!”
Sheikh Jassim is reportedly offering at least $6.3 billion for the club in addition to the infrastructure investments. He also promised to wipe out United’s $620 million in debt.
He seeks to buy 100% of the team, while his main rival, Jim Ratcliffe, is bidding for a majority stake at a valuation higher than $6.3 billion, according to the Telegraph.
Ratcliffe’s proposal could leave room for private equity funds to join and the Glazer family to retain a minority stake. Ares Management, Elliott Management, and the Carlyle Group have all expressed interest in owning a piece of the team.
