Qataris ‘haven’t abandoned hope of buying Man Utd’ with Sir Alex Ferguson ‘guest of PSG chief at Champions League final’

SHEIKH JASSIM has not given up on one day owning Man Utd, according to reports.

The Qatari went head-to-head with Sir Jim Ratcliffe for the Red Devils in 2023.

Sheikh Jassim bid for Man Utd in 2023

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Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchased a minority stake in Man Utd[/caption]

While Ratcliffe, 72, went on to buy a 25 per cent stake in the club, Jassim had been attempting to purchase it in its entirety – pledging to wipe their staggering debt in the process.

Taking into account money borrowed and transfers still being paid for, the Red Devils are said to owe around £1bn.

Ratcliffe has endured a bruising first 18 months as United co-owner.

The Red Devils have just secured their worst finish of the Premier League era, while former boss Erik ten Hag was sacked last October.

The Dutchman’s successor Ruben Amorim has so far been unable to stop the rot, while the Red Devils’ difficulties have extended to off the pitch.

Ratcliffe has bemoaned the club’s financial woes, with drastic cuts including 450 redundancies.

According to the Telegraph, Jassim and his associates have not given up on one day purchasing the Red Devils.

Qataris looking to buy a major European football club would likely consult Paris Saint-Germain owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi, given his vast experience and bulging contacts book.

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Sir Alex Ferguson attended Saturday’s Champions League final[/caption]

Al-Khelaifi, 51, has owned PSG since 2011, while he also chairs the European Club Association, as well as Qatari broadcaster beIN Sports.

Interestingly, legendary former Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson was a special guest of Al-Khelaifi’s in Munich over the last few days.

Ferguson, 83, attended the official pre-Champions League final dinner courtesy of the PSG chief on Friday.

While he was part of Al-Khelaifi’s party in the posh seats at the Allianz Arena as PSG battered Inter Milan to win their first Champions League crown.

As part of their 2023 deal, the Glazer family can sell United from under Ratcliffe.

But the British billionaire does possess the right to make an offer on any share sale.

Sheikh Jassim refused to engage in a public PR campaign while trying to buy United in 2023.

And precious little is still known about the mysterious would-be Old Trafford chief.

It remains to be seen whether Jassim would shift tactics, should another Man Utd opportunity come up.

In February 2024, Ratcliffe cast doubt over whether Sheikh Jassim even exists.

The United co-owner said: “Still nobody’s ever seen him, actually.

“The Glazers never met him. He never… I’m not sure he exists.”