Qatar's Sheikh Jassim wants to make serious changes at Manchester United

Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani has released an official statement after a 'substantial' bid was made to complete a full takeover of Manchester United.

Al Thani, who is said to be lifelong United supporter, is the chairman of Qatar bank QIB and part of the ruling royal family who have a collective net worth of around $335 billion.

Prospective bidders were given until 10pm on Friday night to submit and formalise their interest and Al Thani, via his Nine Two Foundation, officially made their interest known.

So what did he say? The son of Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani – the former Prime Minister of Qatar – said the offer aims to restore Manchester United to its former glory, both on and off the pitch.

They also want to to invest in the football teams, the training centre, the stadium and wider infrastructure, as well as the overall fan experience.

Here is the statement in full:

"Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani today confirmed his submission of a bid for 100 per cent of Manchester United Football Club.

"The bid plans to return the club to its former glories both on and off the pitch and - above all - will seek to place the fans at the heart of Manchester United Football Club once more.

"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 communities the club supports.

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

"More details of the bid will be released, when appropriate, if and when the bid process develops."

Offers for the Premier League club are expected to be made from around the world, including a bid from Chemicals firm Ineos boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who went public with his intentions to buy United in order to put the club back under British ownership.

A source via Sky News described Ratcliffe's bid as a "British bid to make the club a beacon for a modern, progressive, fan-centred approach to ownership."

Although an exact figure has not been reported, it was suggested that the bid from Qatar is expected to be 'a minimum' £4 billion.

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