A Sensational Claim By Turki Al-Sheikh, Why It Matters
Saudi sports promoter Turki Al-Sheikh posted on social media on October 9 that Manchester United are “in an advanced stage of completing a deal to sell to a new investor,” a statement that instantly lit up headlines and fan channels but has not been substantiated by the club, Sir Jim Ratcliffe or the Glazer family. He wrote:
“The best news I heard today is that Manchester United is now in an advanced stage of completing a deal to sell to a new investor – I hope he’s better than the previous owners.”
This declaration, coupled with his role as chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and extensive influence in sports event promotion, sparked immediate speculation about both the legitimacy of his insight and the identity of any potential buyer.
Turki Al-Sheikh hints that the Manchester United takeover is almost finalized, sending shockwaves through the football world.
Ownership Today: Glazers, Ratcliffe & The Power Lines
Manchester United’s current ownership structure is complex. While the Glazer family still hold majority shares, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group acquired a minority stake (about 25–29%) and full control over football operations in early 2024. Any future acquisition at scale would inevitably require negotiations with both the Glazers and Ratcliffe, and compliance with Premier League ownership rules according to Football365.
Why Ronaldo Makes Sense (In My View)
In my opinion, the most plausible investor is Cristiano Ronaldo. He has just reached billionaire status, giving him the financial capacity to make serious acquisitions. Ronaldo has also publicly hinted at the ambition to own a club. In a December 2024 interview, he said:
“If I will be the owner of the club, I will make things clear and adjust what I think is bad there.” Ronaldo told ESPN.
Given his deep ties to Saudi Arabia—where he plays for Al-Nassr—and Turki Al-Sheikh’s position running major sports events in the same ecosystem, Ronaldo could have privileged insight and access that other suitors lack. This makes him a strong candidate to be the mysterious investor mentioned in Al-Sheikh’s post.
Why The Claim Should Be Treated With Caution
Headline-grabbing social posts are not the same as verifiable transactions. Previous takeover interest involving Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani—which reached advanced public notice in 2023 before collapsing—underscores how colourful bidders and leaked rumours can circulate without a deal materialising.
Industry sources quoted at the time described elaborate negotiations that ultimately stalled; Sir Jim Ratcliffe himself has publicly questioned the seriousness of some suitors. With no official filings, board statements, or financial disclosures tying a new investor to the club today, the Al-Sheikh post should be seen as unverified commentary rather than proof of an imminent sale. Reuters and earlier reporting on takeover interest provide helpful context.
The Financial Motive: Why United Might Consider Fresh Investment
Manchester United faces both opportunity and pressure. Despite recent on-pitch struggles and a disappointing season, the club reported record revenue for the year ending June 2025, but also a reported operating loss in some periods and a need to deliver consistent sporting success to support commercial valuations. Friendly tours and exhibition matches—particularly in Asia and the Middle East—are lucrative short-term revenue boosters; United earned millions from pre-season and post-season trips in recent years and have been linked to the Riyadh Season Cup and potential Saudi fixtures as organisers seek marquee participants.
What A Genuine Sale Would Actually Look Like — Process And Hurdles
A legitimate transfer of majority control in a publicly listed football club typically involves multiple steps: confidential negotiations, non-binding offers, due diligence, regulatory checks, board approvals, and, where necessary, shareholder votes. Any sale would also trigger scrutiny from Premier League owners’ and directors’ tests, and could require disclosure on stock exchanges.
Given the Glazers’ retained majority and Ratcliffe/INEOS’s operational control, a buyer would likely need either to buy significant shares from the Glazers or negotiate a complex multi-party restructuring with existing stakeholders. Previous reporting on Ratcliffe’s 25–29% acquisition provides a template for how such processes unfold.
A stunning bird’s-eye view of Old Trafford, capturing the iconic home of Manchester United in all its glory.
Fans, Fixtures And The Short-Term Cash Fix
In practical terms, the club is also exploring short-term options to bolster revenue: arranging money-spinning friendly fixtures in lucrative markets. Proposed matches in Saudi Arabia—part of events like the Riyadh Season Cup or exhibition games against all-star teams—could deliver single-game fees in the millions and plug near-term gaps in the calendar created by missed European qualification. Manager Ruben Amorim has acknowledged the club is looking at warm-weather training and friendly options, which align with the commercial logic noted across recent reporting.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Could Ronaldo realistically buy Manchester United outright?
In theory, yes—but in practice, it would require negotiating with the Glazers and Ratcliffe, shareholder coordination, and regulatory approval. A full takeover would likely involve multiple parties.
Has Ronaldo ever explicitly said he wants to own a club?
Yes. He has expressed interest in ownership several times, asserting he might purchase a club rather than work as a coach or president.
Does Turki Al-Sheikh genuinely have insider knowledge?
Given that Al-Sheikh runs major Saudi sports and frequently engages in high-level event promotion in the same ecosystem where Ronaldo plays, he could have privileged insight—but claims alone aren’t proof.
Why now, after all the takeover noise in Manchester?
United’s recent financial strain, lack of European competition, and need to fill lucrative match slots create pressure. A fresh investor story can reenergize commercial dialogue and speculation, even if nothing is yet confirmed.
Conclusion — Scoop Or Signal?
Turki Al-Sheikh’s full quote has reignited the flames of Manchester United takeover speculation, and the idea that Ronaldo himself could be the mysterious bidder is compelling. He combines newfound billionaire status, public ambition, and deep ties to the Saudi sports landscape. However, until there’s a formal announcement from the club or meaningful filings, the claim remains conjecture. If true, though, it could be one of the boldest moves in modern football history.
