Manchester United’s ownership saga has taken another dramatic twist. Reports claim a United Arab Emirates (UAE) consortium made a formal takeover approach to Manchester United in the past 24 hours, but the club rejected it. Despite this setback, the group remains “very serious” about buying the club and believes one “very key” detail could help restart talks soon. As the Glazers, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and possible new investors circle around football’s most valuable name, Old Trafford once again finds itself at the heart of the global football business stage.
UAE group’s rejected approach sparks takeover speculation
The most recent move from the UAE has sparked debate once again regarding the future of Manchester United’s ownership. In the last two years, the club has witnessed a complete overhaul under Sir Jim Ratcliffe, whose INEOS group gained control of football operations at Old Trafford.
Early in 2024, Ratcliffe beat out Qatari businessperson Sheikh Jassim for a 27.7% minority holding in the club in a deal worth approximately £1.25 billion. That takeover, set as a precursor to a complete takeover, provided for Ratcliffe to take charge of recruitment, management, and long-term strategy. He has since accumulated an additional percentage point or so, bringing his total stake to approximately 29%, bolstering his behind-the-scenes control.
Although his arrival initially provided supporters with some hope of reform, Ratcliffe’s popularity has consequently plummeted. He has pursued an aggressive cost-savings strategy, which has led to redundancies in staff, lower payments to club heroes, and higher ticket prices. Those practices were supposed to secure its future, but they have incensed the club’s supporters, who believe it does not respect its history.
Compounding the sense of unease, Ratcliffe’s plan to build a new stadium — in order, he says, to modernize United’s infrastructure — has split opinion. In that climate, reports indicate the Glazer family are still open selling to a higher bidder if they receive the right offer – and that the UAE consortium has arisen as a genuine alternative.
Beckham link and renewed takeover talks
According to a well-followed account on X, a UAE consortium made a formal approach to Manchester United in the last 24 hours, but the club rejected it. However, the group believes they can restart talks, especially if a “very key detail” falls into place. That possibility reportedly involves David Beckham, as the consortium has contacted United legends to support their bid.
The prospect of Beckham’s involvement has enlivened fans, partly thanks to his strong personal ties to the club and his international renown. His presence could lend credibility — and potentially draw public support — to a new ownership group, though he has not made an announcement, nor has any such group.
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire warned against getting carried away, however. Speaking on recent speculation, Maguire said there may be a “false flag” behind the rumors. “If the Glazers had wanted to sell at $32 per share for the whole club, they would have done so,” he explained. “The fact nothing has taken place speaks for itself. Even at $16 or $17 per share, the price already reflects speculation.”
Maguire also emphasized that United, being listed on the New York Stock Exchange, must be careful with public statements. He questioned why such major financial information would surface via Twitter, adding that it raises doubts about the motives behind certain leaks.
Author’s opinion
While the latest reports hint at genuine interest from the UAE, there’s no clear sign of an imminent sale. The Glazer family appear content letting Ratcliffe handle football operations while maintaining ultimate ownership. However, if Beckham’s involvement proves true, it could alter the power balance by adding credibility and global appeal to a potential new bid.
For now, the mysterious “very key detail” remains unresolved. Whether it’s financial structure, shareholder approval, or a strategic partnership, it will determine whether talks restart—or fade like many takeover rumors before it.
