Sheikh Jassim bin Al Thani has pulled out of the race to buy Manchester United, talkSPORT understands.
Sources close to Sheikh Jassim have confirmed he has withdrawn his world record offer for the Old Trafford giants after failing to agree a deal with the Glazer family.
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talkSPORT reported that David Beckham had been lined up as a potential ambassador had Jassim’s bid been successful, something that he played down to American broadcaster CNBC.
That clears the way for British billionaire and boyhood United fan Ratcliffe to press ahead with his bid to buy a minority stake in the club.
Ratcliffe is believed to be hopeful his offer to purchase 25 per cent of the Glazer’s share will be accepted imminently with a view to eventually becoming United”s majority owner.
However Joel and Avram Glazer have always been reluctant to enter into a full sale.
Discussing the news, talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook said: “Manchester United fans won’t be happy about this at all.
“As well as clearing the debts and removing the unpopular Glazer regime, Sheikh Jassim was willing to invest in the stadium, the training ground and the infrastructure and community around Manchester United.
“There were also significant funds promised to strengthen the team – that will not happen now and that paves the way for Sir Jim Ratcliffe to complete what we understand would be a minority takeover initially.
“He’s willing to buy 25 per cent of the football club and eventually have an overall controlling stake.
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“What it means is that the Glazers are going nowhere.
“That won’t go down well with the Manchester United fans who have been protesting regularly inside and outside Old Trafford.”
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