Rio Ferdinand claims Qatar takeover of Manchester United is “imminent”
Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Sheikh Jassim of Qatar is close to acquiring the Old Trafford side from the Glazer family.
The Middle Eastern billionaire and the owner of the INEOS petrochemical company Jim Ratcliffe have seemingly been in a two-horse race to buy the Red Devils. Over the last seven months, the process has dragged on.
However, speaking on his channel on YouTube (h/t Manchester Evening News), Ferdinand, who spent 12 successful years at United, expressed his confidence in Sheikh Jassim finally reaching a consensus with the Glazers.
“The Man United takeover is imminent. We are hearing the Qatari bid is the one that has been accepted, the one that is imminent and the one that is going to go through. Hallelujah, man. I cannot wait. Please let this happen.”
The ex-defender was part of the Manchester-based club when we were at the top of the food chain. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, the former England international won several Premier League and a Champions League title.
However, at the moment, the Red Devils are nowhere near that level. Over the last decade, the quality of football and the Old Trafford side’s stature has deteriorated, seemingly due to the hierarchy’s mismanagement.
However, it looks like United finally made the right choice by appointing Erik ten Hag. However, even the Dutch manager was evidently not backed by the Manchester-based club in the previous transfer window.
Having made five permanent transfers last summer, the Old Trafford side still needed to add a bit more quality and depth to the squad in January. However, instead of providing the gaffer with decent options, we signed Wout Weghorst and Marcel Sabitzer on loan.
Thankfully, Ten Hag still managed to find a bit of success last season. We won the Carabao Cup and finished third in the Premier League. United also made it to the FA Cup final but lost to Manchester City.
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Hopefully, Ferdinand’s claim ends up coming true. It will be interesting to see what the Qataris will be able to bring to the Old Trafford side.