Qatari billionaire, Sheikh Jassim withdraws bid to buy United, Ratcliff to get 25%

Man United fans hopeful as Ratcliff eyes 25% stake after Sheikh Jassim withdraws bid; impact on club's future discussed.

Jim Ratcliff is about to acquire a 25% stake in Manchester United shares at an inflated price that affords him a level of influence on sporting affairs at the club following the withdrawal of Sheikh Jassim from the race. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

Manchester United fans were left distraught over the weekend following news that Qatari billionaire Sheikh Jassim has withdrawn his interest in acquiring the club, but they can nurse hopes with a development that says Sir Jim Ratcliff is about to acquire a significant stake in the club.

The longstanding bid by the Qatari billionaire gave United fans hope of a brighter and more rewarding future on and off the pitch, but the Glazers have refused to entertain any bid from the Qatari investor, leaving all parties frustrated.

British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliff is finalizing plans to acquire a 25% stake in the club, which guarantees an impact on sporting activities at the club, but how much of that impact would influence the club’s fortunes on and off the pitch?

Cristiano Ronaldo granted a damning interview with British reporter Piers Morgan, which generated lots of reactions and ultimately resulted in the termination of Ronaldo’s contract. The Portuguese superstar ended up at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

Part of what Ronaldo complained about was the training facilities at the club, with fans having to endure rain from leaking roofs during games. Fans want a management team that cares about football and the day-to-day running of the club, but it seems the Glazers don’t care.

Sheikh Jassim wants a controlling interest in the club, but the Glazers are not willing to sell. How much improvement will Ratcliff bring to the club? Will he and his consortium care about the Manchester community? Will he invest in training facilities?

Ratcliffe, according to a source, is willing to pay between £1.3 billion ($1.576 billion) and £1.5 billion ($1.82 billion) for the stake, despite United's current market value sitting at around £2.6 billion. The agreement, which could be signed off as early as this week, would ensure that the Glazers retain a majority stake.