The latest development in Manchester United’s potential sale is that it could be about to lose a bidder after the interested Qatari consortium has warned they will “walk away” if the price “isn’t right”.
Qatari Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani’s bid to buy Man United has long been considered the package in pole position for a takeover ever since the Glazer family announced the club was up for sale back in November last year.
However, according to multiple outlets, it is now thought that Sheikh Jassim and co. “could walk away” if the Glazers don’t lower their asking price. Qatar’s current buyout offer is estimated to be approximately £4.5 billion, whereas the American owners value the club at closer to £6bn.
Nevertheless, despite the might of a state wealth fund behind them, the Al Thani family apparently refuse to be “reckless” in trying to purchase the massive sporting franchise even though they recognise they will likely have to overpay to some degree. It also said they want an ‘all or nothing’ deal.
🚨 Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani’s bid for Manchester United is described as “all or nothing”. If the Glazers do decide to stay, the Qatar group will not explore minority investment or a staggered route to full ownership over time. pic.twitter.com/NUi5y347ZO
Last week, it was reported by The Athletic that Jassim’s father, Sheikh Hamad (the former Qatari Prime Minister) not only “doesn’t like the investment” but is also “not even a football fan”, which might factor into whether his son and those involved in the negotiations buy the club or not.
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While he did stress in a recent interview that regardless of his hobbies, “I am an investor”, he also added the caveat that “[he] will not look at [any investment] as something you do just as an advertisement.”
Many United fans seem to prefer the look of the Qatari’s bid given their apparent commitment to clearing the club’s debt, redeveloping Old Trafford and also investing in the surrounding areas of the Greater Manchester community.
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Although it is thought that both the Glazers and the two bidding parties involved wanted a decision to be closed out by the end of March, it now seems more probable that full confirmation and a prospective takeover now won’t happen until the end of the season — if, indeed, it does at all.
The only other official bidder is, of course, local businessman and INEOS billionaire, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has long held an interest in purchasing the club. Each camp has now been asked to give presentations to the board within the next fortnight.
🚨 They include representatives of Ineos owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatar's Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani. #MUFChttps://t.co/3FOigqMtFk
Born in Failsworth and already invested in multiple sporting teams — not to mention without the political and humanitarian controversies that Qatar are wrapped up in — plenty of Reds would equally prefer Ratcliffe to take over at Old Trafford.
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On the other hand, it’s also unclear whether he has the full financing to complete a deal without taking out more loans (supporters don’t want a repeat of 2005), not to mention his status as a ‘true’ United fan has been called into question after news of his Chelsea season ticket and attempt to buy them too.
Regardless, like his bidding rivals, Ratcliffe’s offer is also said to be worth around £4.5bn, so if the Glazers don’t lower their expectations, they could be left in a situation where one bidder won’t budge and the other simply can’t afford to pay any more.
Whether fans like it or not, it has already been suggested that the Glazers could still stay in charge of United as majority shareholders and if the investments fall through, the torrid relationship between the administration and the club’s supporters could rumble on for years to come.
Sale Sharks sign Joe Marchant in positive boost for England rugby
Danny Jones
An impending rugby union returnee is simultaneously set to bring a positive boost to Steve Borthwick, too, as Joe Marchant has officially signed for Sale Sharks.
Not only will be a welcome restoration to the Gallagher Premiership but England as well, with Marchant’s domestic comeback once again making him available for international fixtures.
The former Harlequins centre has been playing in the French top 14 since after the 2023 Rugby World Cup (RWC), making over a half century of appearances for third-placed Stade Francais, but now he’s on his way back across the Channel on a deal until 2029.
Set to officially move to Greater Manchester and join Sale Sharks for the start of next season, Marchant – who made over 150 appearances for the Quins and shone as one of the stars in their 2021 Prem final win over Exeter – Marchant clearly wanted to put himself in contention for the 2027 RWC.
Nevertheless, there were numerous sides who emerged as suitors in the pursuit of the 29-year-old, but it was the Sharks who have ultimately won the race for his signature.
Addressing the supporters in an official club statement, Joe said: “When I spoke to [head coach] Alex Sanderson he explained the direction he wants to take the club and the ambition he has. It’s a club that wants to win trophies and I’d love to be a part of that.
“Sale have always been a tough team to play against, so I’m really looking forward being a part of that next season. There are a lot of lads at the club who I’ve played and trained with for England and it’ll be great to play with them again.
“They have some of the best players in the country and I can’t wait to play with them. I’d love to get back in the mix for England but I know that first I have to get back into the flow of the Prem and put in some good performances for Sale.”
The Winchester-born outside-centric midfielder, who is often deployed as a winger, represented his country at the last tournament and has 26 caps to his name, but his move to Europe meant that he was ineligible for selection until now.
Now clearly aiming to increase that tally as he approaches the end of his so-called ‘prime years’, he’ll prove to be a great bit of added strength in depth as Borthwick continues to oversee a great era for talent in the national pool. England fans can hopefully look forward to more impressive drives like this:
Sanderson went on to add: “Joe is a world class player. He’s got aspirations to play in the next World Cup and to do that he needs to play for a team that’s competing for the Prem. He believes that’s us.
“He’s got X-Factor on both sides of the ball and in the air. He’s got real gas and if we find him in that outside channels he’ll make something happen. But his ability to read the game defensively is just as impressive.
“He’s excited about playing outside George Ford. He’s some player and we can’t wait to get him here.”
Meanwhile, over in rugby league, the full list of fixtures and dates for the highly anticipated 2026 ‘Rivals Round’ have now been revealed.
Featured Images — Allianz UK (screenshot via YouTube)
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Super League ‘Rivals Round’ fixtures confirmed, with two big North West clashes
Danny Jones
The Betfred Super League (BSL) ‘Rivals Round’ games for 2026 have been confirmed, with two big regional clashes coming in time for the spring.
Returning for 2026, the annual meeting of multiple teams coming up against their fiercest and most historic rivals will land on round seven of the calendar over the traditional Easter weekend.
Despite the competition having sadly lost Salford Red Devils following their forced relegation, local rugby fans will still be glad to see the borough of Wigan, as well as neighbouring Cheshire and nearby Merseyside clubs, coming up against each other in what is a highly anticipated fixture on the calendar.
Announcing the now fully confirmed matches this week, the total of seven matches are set to be played between Friday, 3 April and the following Sunday, 5 April.
In the Super League’s own words, there are few gameweeks more box office than the Rivals Round – “where the games mean more, hit harder and have the ability to divide towns and families.”
After the inaugural edition of the modern round in 2021, this year saw the division record a best-ever attendance of 86,080 across a six-match period, and with an extra game being played next season, we’re expecting more ground to be broken.
“The most intense and historic rivalries will go head-to-head with huge crowds anticipated, emotions running high and everyone expected to bring their A game”, say the BSL.
Huddersfield Giants v York Knights – Saturday, 4 April
Castleford Tigers v Wakefield Trinity – Sunday, 5 April
One of the most notable exclusions among the slate, of course, is that of Salford Red Devils, as various players and staff members continue to leave the club during this increasingly concerning and deep period of uncertainty.
Salford supporters have given a clear response following the decisive drop in IMG gradings:
Although they are now longer in rugby league’s premier domestic tier, Salford are still expected to take part in the Challenge Cup tournament, which begins in January.
Betfred and the RFL revealed the most recent ties on Monday, 24 November, with the Devils due to face either Royal Navy Rugby or Hammersmith Hills Hoists in the second round.
Meanwhile, with the new campaign kicking off in February, rugby fans will only have to wait a couple of months to witness the upcoming instalments in the various rivalries.
Safe to say it’s going to be a spicy Easter break.
Danny Jones -
9th March 2023 
