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.
Inside Manchester’s new padel club with a Pot Kettle Black cafe and courtside cocktail bar
Daisy Jackson
Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the world, and it’s really picking up speed in Manchester now too with another city centre club opening this month.
The Pollen Club is a little different to the others, in that it’s fully undercover and protected from Manchester’s less-than-favourable weather.
And another thing that makes it a must-visit is the cafe attached to it – a third site for the beloved Pot Kettle Black.
The Pollen Club and Pot Kettle Black have both taken over a prominent city centre spot just off Deansgate, at the foot of the recently-opened Treehouse Hotel.
There are two state-of-the-art padel courts inside, with a mezzanine terrace for enjoy Pot Kettle Black’s offerings.
In summer, there are plans to launch a bar downstairs too, where you can sip spritzes courtside from loungers and swing seats.
The exciting new Manchester padel club will host pop up events, DJ takeovers and an extended evening food offering.
Pot Kettle Black are part of the new padel clubInside Manchester’s new padel club, The Pollen ClubPot Kettle Black are part of the new padel club
And even if you’re not heading inside The Pollen Club, Pot Kettle Black has a grab-and-go hatch facing onto Blackfriars Street, making their delicious coffees, sandwiches and pastries (from their own bakery Half Dozen Other) even more accessible.
Commenting on the opening of the new site, Pot Kettle Black co-owner, Mark Flanagan said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have opened our third Pot Kettle Black site at The Padel Club. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team.
“After ten years in the city we’ve been enjoying seeing some familiar faces stopping by for a coffee and we can’t wait to get started on our programme of summer events!”
Local Olympian Keely Hodgkinson named as official starter of the 2025 Great Manchester Run
Danny Jones
One of our very own is getting ready to get thousands of racers underway as local Olympian, Keely Hodgkinson MBE, has been named as the official starter for the 2025 Great Manchester Run.
Atherton’s very own generational trackstar, who picked up gold at Paris 2024 and has earned several other medals, not to mention smashing multiple British records, will be leading the hordes of runners taking on the annual AJ Bell challenge through central Manchester next month.
We couldn’t think of anyone better suited to fly the flag for Greater Manchester.
HUGE NEWS incoming… 👀🔥
We’re super excited to announce that Olympic champion @keelyhodgkinson will be the official race starter for this year’s AJ Bell Great Manchester Run! 🏃♀️💥👏🐝 pic.twitter.com/aHHxeaMQ9p
Hyping up the news on social media, the Great Run company went on to add: “A true hometown hero, an Olympic champion, and now, kicking off Manchester’s best running party of the year – the BIGGEST in a decade! We’re proper BUZZZZZING! Let’s have it, Manchester!”
Safe to say they’re pretty ecstatic with the news, and so are we, as Keely Hodgkinson becomes the latest Team GB member to bring their pedigree to the event, following in the very fast footsteps of Sir Mo Farah, Kelly Holmes, Amir Khan and many more.
Although the 800m specialist is yet to comment on the announcement directly, the magic of getting to put the hard yards in front of a home crowd won’t be lost on her, and it goes without saying that she’ll get an unreal reception from the Manc spectators – of which there are expected to be more than 100,000.
Better yet, over 35,000 participants are set to take on the Great Manchester Run this year, therefore teeing potentially record-breaking crowds for the event.
2025 marks the 22nd edition of the event, and the atmosphere throughout the city centre, as well as out into East Manchester and Trafford, is always spectacular. There are still places left if you’re tempted…
Undoubtedly one of the very best athletes to ever come out of the underdog borough that is Wigan, whether you argue the case for old Lancashire or not, surely we can all be proud to call her a Greater Mancunian this spring, just as we did back in the summer?
Once again, it isn’t long before the annual race day kicks off as the Great Manchester Run arrives on Sunday, 18 May, with Keely Hodgkinson beckoning everyone towards their own hero moments.
There are still places left for both the 10k and half marathon distances, and now we’ve seen the medal design for this year, we might just have to sign up again ourselves.
You can find out more and decide for yourself HERE.
Danny Jones -
9th March 2023 
