Just because Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani has withdrawn from the race to buy Manchester United, it does not mean that Qatari money will not find its way into the Premier League. Liverpool and Tottenham have also flirted with investment from the Middle East over the past 12 months, and new cash injections could leave Red Devils fans to wonder what might have been.
Up to this weekend, Sheikh Jassim led a group of Qatari investors on a pursuit to buy 100 per cent of United. The prominent businessman was in with a shot until Saturday, when another rejected proposal saw him pull out of the race completely.
The Qatari bid was set to flex its financial muscles at Old Trafford by revamping the stadium, improving the training facilities and investing in the playing squad.
In Sheikh Jassim’s absence, it may be left to rival bidder Sir Jim Ratcliffe to try and take United back to the top of the Premier League. The petrochemicals billionaire is still locked in negotiations with the Glazers while actively working on his bid to reach an agreement.
Many United fans will have been disappointed to learn of Sheikh Jassim’s withdrawal, given the dramatic effect it may have had on Erik ten Hag’s squad. Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe was among those touted as potential transfer targets if the Middle Eastern bid had proven successful.
The Red Devils now face the prospect of a delayed farewell to the Glazers, with Sir Jim exploring options that could keep them at Old Trafford in some capacity. And the sight of Liverpool or Spurs reaping the benefits of Qatari money would do little to make them feel better.
Although QSI represents a different source of Qatar-based funding than Sheikh Jassim was offering, it would still come as a stinging blow for United to see bitter rivals Liverpool and fellow top-four hopefuls Tottenham buoyed by the country’s deep pockets.
Both sides are a long way ahead of the Red Devils in the Premier League table, with Liverpool five points ahead and Spurs eight points in front of Ten Hag’s side during the international break.
