Man United set to receive takeover bid from Saudi Prince: Report

Premier League heavyweights Manchester United are embracing themselves for a third takeover bid from the royal family of Saudi Arabia as the current owners, the Glazers are considering selling off a portion of the 90% stake that they possess in the club. According to various British media reports, it is very likely to happen despite the fact that the club have already rejected two approaches from the Saudis in the past. Manchester United have already rejected two approaches from Saudi royals who are interested in completing a takeover.

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The Saudi Arabian partnership

Following the death of Malcolm Glazer five years ago, the American handed over the control of the club to his six siblings, with Joel and Avram Glazer currently involved in the day-to-day running of United. Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman - second in command to King Salman - wants to make his mark in the world of football and views the Glazer-owned Manchester United as the perfect acquisition. Bin Salman is worth £850 billion. The club have business ties with Saudi Arabia in the form of Saudi Telecom, the club's official telecommunications partner but there are rumours that those links could strengthen in the near future. Either a family friend, a Saudi-owned company or the state's sovereign wealth fund could bid for the Glazer family's private shares in the club.

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United's current worth stands at £2.03 billion

If United's current owners were to sell the club, it would cost the Saudis more than three billion pounds, but there is a chance that the crown prince could instead just buy a portion. Saudi Arabia has already delved into the world of sport with purchases in both F1 and WWE and football is already part of a wider political battle between the Gulf countries. United’s present market value is £2.03 billion but this is considerably less than than the £2.31 billion the club was worth when manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer began his tenure at the club last December. Initially, Solskjaer had a great run in charge and United only suffered one defeat in 17 matches. But following his appointment as the club’s permanent manager, the team’s form has dipped and by the end of the season they had missed out on qualification of the Champions League when they finished at 6th place.

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