Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani has mapped out would-be plans for Manchester United after formalising a takeover offer for the Premier League giants.
After the much-maligned Glazer family confirmed their plans to sell the club in November, prospective bidders were given until 10pm on Friday night to submit and formalise their interest. However, in terms of any takeover, that was merely seen as the first, indicative benchmark.
Al Thani, chairman of the Qatar Islamic Bank, is the second person to go public with proposals to purchase the club with British billionaire and INEOS founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe being the other. Further interest comes from the United States - with ongoing links to additional parties based in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
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A statement released to broadcast and written media on Friday night read: "Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani today confirmed his submission of a bid for 100 per cent of Manchester United Football Club. The bid plans to return the club to its former glories both on and off the pitch and - above all - will seek to place the fans at the heart of Manchester United Football Club once more.
"The bid will be completely debt free via Sheikh Jassim's Nine Two Foundation, which will look to invest in the football teams, the training centre, the stadium and wider infrastructure, the fan experience, and communities the club supports.
"The vision of the bid is for Manchester United Football Club to be renowned for footballing excellence, and regarded as the greatest football club in the world. More details of the bid will be released, when appropriate, if and when the bid process develops."
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