Andy Gray backs Sheikh Jassim’s Man Utd takeover bid and claims ‘no downsides’
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Manchester United fans should welcome Qatari investment from Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani if he wins the takeover race, according to former Scotland international Andy Gray. Sheikh Jassim has reportedly beaten Sir Jim Ratcliffe to a deal with the Glazer family, which would likely prompt an influx of funds into United.
According to The Sun, the Qatari royal is set to complete a full £6billion takeover at Old Trafford by mid-October.
His representatives are allegedly completing their due diligence, and a 100 per cent sale announcement could come as early as this month.
The Glazers are said to have decided to cash in on United after being warned of the heightened backlash they would face if they concluded an almost-year-long process by staying put.
Sheikh Jassim has vowed to wipe the club’s soaring debt – the latest financial figures showed it has reached £725m, the highest since 2010.
And he will also heavily invest in upgrading United’s iconic Old Trafford stadium and Carrington training facilities, alongside injecting funds into Erik ten Hag’s squad.
The divisive manner of the involvement of Gulf states like Qatar and Saudi Arabia in football will undoubtedly harbour mass criticism if Sheikh Jassim comes out on top.
READ MORE Man Utd debts ‘pass £1billion’ under Glazers as Sheikh Jassim left waiting[TAKEOVER]
But Gray believes United fans should rejoice if Sheikh Jassim comes into control, ending the Glazers’ unpopular 18-year reign.
Gray told the Mail on Sunday: “If I supported United, I’d welcome the Qatar bid. They’d clear the debt, rebuild the stadium and sign the best players. Where is the downside in that?
“Qatar isn’t perfect, but there isn’t a country which is. They hosted probably the best World Cup we’ve seen. The organisation was great, and there was no trouble.”
The Glazers announced a ‘strategic review’ last November, which included a potential sale, sparking the emergence of interested parties.
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Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe – Britain’s richest man and a boyhood United fan – quickly became the top contenders to seal a deal.
But a handful of US hedge funds also registered their interest, offering minority investment that would allow the Glazers to retain control in M16.
Recent reports suggested that the American family plan to take United off the market in the hope of the club’s value skyrocketing in the next couple of years.
However, sources close to the process have since poured cold water on those claims, with negotiations still on as the Glazers hold firm on their asking price.
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