Sheikh Jassim offers £800m more to beat Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Manchester United takeover bid

Sheikh Jassim has pledged an additional £800m of investment into Manchester United, on top of his £5bn offer for the club, in a bid to secure full ownership. However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s offer for a controlling stake in the club, which would allow two of the Glazer siblings to retain shares, is currently leading the race as it values the club at a higher price than Jassim’s bid. Despite this, Jassim has ringfenced the extra funds for transfers and renovations at Old Trafford and the training ground, on top of his promise to wipe the club’s £600m debt. The Glazers are expected to announce their preferred bidder this week, but may seek to obtain a higher fee once they have made their decision.