As things stand, it’s Sheikh Jassim who seems to be in pole position to buy Manchester United. And if the Qatari billionaire does take over, then it’s possible three people could be sacked as soon as he takes over. Change may soon be nigh at Old Trafford, something many fans will feel is needed following a decade of drifting…
At one point, it was Sir Jim Ratcliffe who was leading the charge to buy Manchester United.
However, due to developments over the past week, it’s Sheikh Jassim who seems to now be the frontrunner.
The Qatari billionaire, who often keeps a low profile, has made five bids for United so far.
And he’s confident that he’ll be able to claim power at Old Trafford and lead the mission of bringing down fierce rivals Manchester City across town.
Sheikh Jassim could, however, be ruthless.
While United have improved things behind the scenes since the calamitous Ed Woodward era, there’s still scrutiny over several figures at the club.
Starting with Richard Arnold.
Arnold has learned the lessons from his predecessor, knowing better than to meddle in footballing matters unlike Woodward.
However, while he’s helped United continue to build their brand, he’s still a close ally of the Glazers.
Because of that, Sheikh Jassim may be tempted to wield the axe.
Arnold seems likeable enough but it would perhaps be understandable if the Qatari billionaire drafted in somebody he knew himself.
Certainly, that could help United generate even more money from the Middle East in particular.
Then there’s John Murtough.
United have long been happy with the work the supremo has done ever since he was appointed over two years ago.
Erik ten Hag has spoken glowingly of Murtough, who has helped broker transfer business in recent years.
Signings, under his watch, have improved the club.
But Murtough can still be scrutinised due to how long it takes United to sign each and every player.
Take Mason Mount, for example. United want him and are readying a third bid at the time of asking.
But they’ve long known that Chelsea won’t let their academy graduate go on the cheap. So why make it such a saga?
At the same time Murtough was appointed, Darren Fletcher also returned to United.
He’s a good middleman, somebody willing to act as a foil for both the Glazers and Ten Hag during his time in the club.
But would Fletcher really be required if Sheikh Jassim was a far more transparent owner than the Glazers?
Joel and Avram operate overseas and it’s never been known whether United managers have a direct line to the owners.
Sheikh Jassim, should he win the race to buy United, will likely want to make his own mark straight away.
And whether Arnold, Murtough and Fletcher feature in his plans for the future remains to be seen.
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