
Ratcliffe’s partial takeover and the rivalry with Sheikh Jassim
Almost two years after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s partial takeover of Manchester United, fans still wonder what might have been if Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani had won the bid. Ratcliffe’s ownership has not yet produced the immediate success many expected, but he emphasizes long-term infrastructure improvements.
Sheikh Jassim’s priorities during the bid process
During the bidding process, Sheikh Jassim laid out his vision for Manchester United. His focus was on upgrading the club’s facilities to a cutting-edge standard, aiming to make Manchester United a world-class organization again. He also emphasized that his takeover would come with no interest, ensuring financial stability for the club.
Contrasting approaches to ownership
While Ratcliffe’s approach has been centered on long-term goals, fans have speculated about how Sheikh Jassim’s vision would have impacted the club. With a focus on modernizing facilities and ensuring financial security, Jassim’s plans seemed designed to revitalize the club’s infrastructure in a way that aligned with its rich history.