Takeover of Man Utd: Sheikh Jassim “in pole position” while Ferdinand relies on Qatari claims

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is reportedly in pole position to become the new owner of Manchester United this summer. A new update supports Rio Ferdinand’s bold claims that sent Red Devils fans into a frenzy earlier this week as the takeover saga neared its end.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe was previously widely regarded as the favorite to take control of Old Trafford after his bid allowed Joel and Avram Glazer to retain minority stakes.

However, Sheikh Jassim’s improved fifth offer, delivered with a take-it-or-leave-it attitude, bucked the tide.

The momentum behind the Qatari businessman is building, with Reuters saying it is in talks to enter a period of exclusivity with the Glazers, which would move closer to finalizing a deal. And Faisal Islam, BBC Sport’s economics editor, has confirmed that Sheikh Jassim is the candidate for the driver’s seat.

He said: “Qatar is ahead. Qatar is in pole position. If nothing happens now, if a break is called, we think the Qataris would win.”

On Thursday, Ferdinand dropped an explosive story on his YouTube channel saying he had heard a Qatari takeover was imminent.

The iconic defender has built a reputation for picking up big news about United after being the first to let the cat out of the bag for Cristiano Ronaldo’s sensational return in 2021. “Manchester United’s takeover is imminent. We’ve heard that Qatar’s offer is the offer that takes over, it’s the offer that is accepted and it’s the offer that succeeds,” Ferdinand told FIVE.

“Hallelujah man, we can’t wait. Please let this happen. Please let it be true. Look how long it’s been like this

“The Glazers came out strong and obviously want to be the highest bidder.

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