Not Qatar, a European billionaire aims to acquire MU

11/10/2025 11:31:00 esportapi

A former candidate involved in the bid to buy Man Utd has revealed that he has a detailed plan and is eager to take over the club.

Finnish businessman Thomas Zilliacus disclosed that he is preparing to approach investors with the intention of purchasing Man Utd, and is ready to collaborate with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and other stakeholders.

Zilliacus was among the contenders in the 2023 race to buy Manchester United when the Glazer family announced they were considering selling part or all of their shares. However, his fan-centered proposal was submitted too late, and Ratcliffe’s Ineos group quickly secured nearly 30% ownership and control over the football operations of the "Red Devils."

Recently, rumors have surfaced that Man Utd might be put up for sale again, with potential interest from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Turki Al-Sheikh, a prominent figure in Saudi Arabia, even revealed that a businessman is currently in an “advanced negotiation stage” with the club’s leadership.

Không phải Qatar, tỷ phú châu Âu muốn mua lại MU 720213 — Businessman Thomas Zilliacus seeks to acquire part or all shares of Man Utd

In response to these reports, Zilliacus confirmed he is preparing to approach investors, including Ratcliffe, with the goal of buying a portion or the entirety of the historic Premier League club.

Speaking to Manchester Evening News, Zilliacus stated: “Last week, I spent time considering all investment possibilities in Manchester United and drafted a preliminary plan to approach stakeholders to see if anything concrete can be achieved.

My aim is to collaborate with the right people who share the ambition to restore Manchester United to its rightful place as the world’s number one club.

My love for the club remains strong, and I believe the opportunity still exists. I look forward to meeting and discussing with influential figures to find the most viable path forward.”

Zilliacus also expressed his willingness to cooperate with any investor, including Sheikh Jassim, a Qatari businessman and banker who had previously submitted a bid for Manchester United. He shared: “I have no hesitation working alongside people like Jim Ratcliffe or any other investor, whoever they may be. I am not involved in this to show off or turn it into a personal trophy...

When I submitted my bid for the club, I realized the Glazer family was turning the process into a bidding war, where I, Jim Ratcliffe, and Sheikh Jassim were only competing to offer the highest price. As a result, the deal’s value kept escalating.

I publicly criticized this because it makes no sense. That money should be invested in the club, not to enrich the Glazer family. Therefore, I once proposed: ‘Why don’t we collaborate to take over Manchester United together?’”

Không phải Qatar, tỷ phú châu Âu muốn mua lại MU 720214 — Man Utd’s dark days under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s leadership

Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe took control in 2024, Man Utd has shown no signs of improvement compared to the Glazer era. The British billionaire has spent huge sums on transfers during the tenures of former coach Erik ten Hag and current manager Ruben Amorim, yet the "Red Devils" results still disappoint fans.

Meanwhile, the club’s ongoing financial losses have forced management to repeatedly lay off hundreds of staff and cut numerous longstanding annual expenses.

Related article