Nasser Al-Khelaifi denies involvement in Manchester United takeover process

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 10 June 2023

Al-Khelaifi denies involvement in Man United takeover process

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi firmly denies suggestions that he has been involved in the Manchester United takeover process.

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has firmly denied suggestions that he has been involved in Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani's offers for Manchester United.

On Friday, it was reported that Al-Khelaifi had held a discussion with Man United's owners the Glazers surrounding the interest in the 20-time English champions from Sheikh Jassim.

The Americans had allegedly been in touch with the PSG chairman in an attempt to receive an increased offer from Sheikh Jassim, who is said to have made a fifth bid for the club last week.

However, Al-Khelaifi has denied that he has been in any way involved with the takeover process despite the widespread reports on Friday.

"Paris St-Germain is my club, in my heart, and I have nothing to do with Manchester United," he told BBC Sport ahead of the Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan in Istanbul.

Manchester United co-chairman Avram Glazer in the stands before the match on May 14, 2023 © Reuters

"It makes me laugh. I am Qatari, right? If people ask me my opinion, I will answer them for sure - and that's what they do. I am talking about anyone, not just Manchester United. I will give them the experience that I have. That's it."

Last November, the Glazers revealed that they were open to selling Man United, and Sheikh Jassim has emerged as the favourite to purchase the club alongside Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Recent reports have claimed that Ratcliffe is currently in the strongest position, but the offer that was allegedly lodged by Sheikh Jassim in the middle of last week is believed to be the largest one on the table.

Ratcliffe is also thought to be looking for a controlling stake of Man United at this time, which could see the Glazers remain involved with the club as minority shareholders.

Ineos chairman Jim Ratcliffe is pictured at Old Trafford in Manchester, Britain, March 17, 2023 © Reuters

Sheikh Jassim's bid, though, is for the full 100%, with the Qatari banker also prepared to commit significant funds to improve Old Trafford and the club's training ground.

The new owner had initially been expected to be in place before the opening of the summer transfer window but that will not be the case, with the process stalling in recent weeks.

Finnish businessman Thomas Zilliacus has officially withdrawn from the process, with the entrepreneur revealing that he is no longer in the running for the Red Devils.

Man United had a successful 2022-23 campaign, ending their six-year trophy drought by winning the EFL Cup, while they were also present in the final of the FA Cup.

The club will return to the Champions League for the 2023-24 season, meanwhile, following their third-place finish in the Premier League table.