Man United takeover update emerges as Sheikh Jassim stance clear amid Glazers' clause

Man United takeover update emerges as Sheikh Jassim stance clear amid Glazers' clause

The very latest Manchester United news as a significant clause becomes active in the ownership agreement at the Old Trafford giants.

Avram Glazer, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Alex Ferguson together in the stands.

Manchester United owners the Glazer family are now free to sell their majority share in the football club after a clause became active earlier this month - as per national media reports.

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On August 13, a clause in the finer print of the deal which saw Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquire 25 per cent of the club last February came into play, known as the "drag-along" right. It means that if the Glazers want to sell the club, Sir Jim and Ineos have no power to stop them.

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The clause was agreed to become active 18 months after Sir Jim's minority takeover and added that, the Glazers could decide to not only sell their stake, but also force Ineos to do likewise.

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The Daily Mail have reported that, despite that clause being active, any movement in the United's ownership is currently unlikely owing to the relationship between Sir Jim and the Glazers. Speaking during his unveiling press conference, Sir Jim hinted at hidden clauses which could come into play.

"I don't think we're going to be taking the legal agreements out of the bottom drawer," he said. "I just hope they gather dust and we never see them. Which it should be. It should be on the basis of a relationship."

It's understood that the Glazers and Sir Jim get on - and have a positive relationship. One source has told The Daily Mail that they get on so much that "Jim has flown over to the US on multiple occasions to have board meetings on their doorstep. They are like-minded people."

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Back in 2023, a Sheikh Jassim attempt to secure a £4.79billion whole takeover of the club was rejected in favour of Sir Jim's minority stake. It allowed the Glazers to remain in place and Sheikh Jassim missed out.

The report from The Daily Mail has revealed that sources with knowledge of Sheikh Jassim's 92 Foundation have claimed there's "zero interest" in acting upon the active clause. It's said the interest in Qatar has moved elsewhere to "mega projects" in other sporting fields.

Qatar are, currently, attempting to host the 2036 Olympics - with any side projects unlikely to be given the green light. It's also claimed that the Sheikh Jassim's group keenness to buy a leading club in Europe is no longer on their agenda.

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