Turki Al-Sheikh shares new Man Utd takeover update after cryptic social media post

Turki Al-Sheikh sparked speculation that a Manchester United takeover was close on Thursday morning with a post on social media but the Saudi chief has now issued an update

Turki Al-Sheikh has DENIED claims that he is in talks regarding a sensational takeover of Manchester United. The Saudi Arabian businessman recently sent Red Devils fans into a frenzy as he dropped a hint that he had emerged as a potential takeover.

Taking to Twitter, 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.”

But he has now clarified the situation and has denied claims that he is in talks regarding a deal. He has further revealed that the party in talks is not from Saudi Arabia.

Taking to social media on Thursday evening, he said: “My yesterday’s post about Manchester United’s potential sale meant one thing: the club is in an advanced negotiation phase with a new investor.

“Just to clarify, I am not the investor, nor are they from my nation. I’m posting this as a fan who wishes the deal to happen, though it might not necessarily happen.”

And while Al-Sheikh does not appear to be at the forefront of any takeover, a deal would be a very intriguing development given the overhaul at Old Trafford over recent seasons. Sir Jim Ratcliffe only completed a takeover of 27.7 percent back in 2024 – the INEOS supremo paying around £1.25billion.

He beat Qatari chief Sheikh Jassim in the race to seal a deal. Speaking at the time, he said: “The bid plans to return the club to its former glories. The bid will be completely debt free, via Sheikh Jassim’s Nine Two Foundation, which will look to invest in the football teams, the training centre, the stadium and wider infrastructure, the fan experience and the communities the club supports.

“The vision of the bid is for Manchester United to be renowned for footballing excellence, and regarded as the greatest football club in the world.”

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Since beating Sheikh Jassim in the race for a deal, Ratcliffe has attempted to overhaul the Red Devils both on the pitch and off the pitch since then. He has invested heaving into the playing squad, backroom team.

He has also played a huge role in unveiling the club’s plans for a stunning new stadium, but he has been criticised for sweeping redundancies across the company.

United have endured a woeful time of things since Ratcliffe’s arrival. They endured their worst-ever Premier League finish under current boss Ruben Amorim last season and were beaten by Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.

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