Turki Al-Sheikh Denies Man Utd Takeover
Saudi royal adviser Turki Al-Sheikh has denied claims he’s behind a potential Manchester United takeover after a mysterious social media post set fans speculating about new ownership at Old Trafford.
Turki Al-Sheikh, one of Saudi Arabia’s most influential sports figures, has clarified that he is not involved in any negotiations to buy Manchester United despite online speculation earlier on Thursday.
The frenzy began when Al-Sheikh posted on X (formerly Twitter) that United were “in an advanced stage” of selling to a new investor, prompting talk of a Saudi-backed deal.
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.”
Hours later, the Saudi Entertainment Authority chief returned to social media to deny personal involvement, insisting the message had been misunderstood. “Just to clarify, I am not the investor, nor are they from my nation,” he explained. “I’m posting this as a fan who wishes the deal to happen.”
The clarification followed a day of wild online reactions, with fans debating whether Al-Sheikh, a close ally of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, could be fronting a new ownership bid.
Manchester United remain under INEOS part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who purchased a 27.7 percent stake worth £1.25 billion in early 2024, beating Qatari rival Sheikh Jassim in a long takeover battle.
Since taking partial control, Ratcliffe has led an aggressive rebuild of the club’s football structure, hiring new directors and pushing for a £2 billion stadium redevelopment moves that have divided supporters.
United’s struggles on the pitch have added to the uncertainty. Under manager Ruben Amorim, the club recorded their worst Premier League finish last season and lost to Tottenham in the Europa League final.
Fans’ frustration has reignited takeover chatter, particularly after recent cost-cutting measures at Old Trafford and reports of redundancies within the club’s wider operations.
United’s ownership saga dates back to the Glazers’ controversial 2005 leveraged buyout a moment that continues to shape every new investor story. For supporters, the hope remains the same: a return to the stability and ambition once seen under Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign.
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