The Manchester United ownership saga took another dramatic turn on October 9, 2025, when Turki bin Abdulmohsen Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, posted a cryptic message on X — then quickly walked it back. "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," he wrote from Riyadh. Fans erupted. Conspiracy theories exploded. Was the Public Investment Fund finally coming for Old Trafford? Within hours, Alalshikh clarified: "I am not the investor, nor are they from my nation. I’m posting this as a fan who wishes the deal to happen." The twist? He’s not even buying. But he’s not the only one watching closely.
Why This Feels Like a Thunderclap
For decades, Manchester United has been more than a football club — it’s a global brand, a cultural touchstone, and for many, a symbol of what happens when profit overrides passion. The Glazer family’s ownership since 2005 has been a lightning rod for fan anger. Debt, ticket prices, and declining performance turned the Glazers into villains. Then came Sir James "Jim" Ratcliffe — the British billionaire behind INEOS — who quietly bought a 25% stake in December 2023 for over £1.05 billion. He didn’t take control of the whole club. Just the football side: transfers, tactics, academy. The Glazers kept the money machine: sponsorships, merchandising, TV rights. It didn’t go well. In the 2023-2024 season, United finished 15th — their lowest Premier League finish in 32 years. This season? 10th after 11 games. 15 goals scored. 18 conceded. At Old Trafford, the atmosphere is thick with frustration. And now, with Ruben Amorim under fire and Ratcliffe publicly declaring he’s giving the Portuguese coach "three years," fans are losing patience. Seventy-eight percent of respondents in a 90min.com poll said Amorim should go. That’s not dissent. That’s a mutiny.The Real Players Behind the Scenes
Alalshikh’s post didn’t come from nowhere. He’s no stranger to football. He owned Pyramids FC in Egypt from 2018 to 2022, then UD Almería in Spain until 2024. He knows how clubs work. He also knows how to make headlines. But his clarification was precise: "Not me. Not Saudi." That’s significant. The Public Investment Fund owns Newcastle United. If they’d targeted United, it would’ve been seismic — and politically explosive. This was a deliberate signal: no Saudi state money here. Meanwhile, Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, CEO of Al-Manahil Holding and a known United fan, responded to Alalshikh’s original post with a single prayer hand emoji. No words. Just a silent nod. That’s Saudi diplomacy in a nutshell. But the real story? It’s not in Riyadh. It’s in New York. According to The Athletic, Manchester United is in advanced talks with a consortium led by Josh Harris, co-founder of Apollo Global Management. The price? Up to £6 billion. That’s double what Chelsea sold for in 2022. It would be the biggest football deal in history. Harris, a former owner of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, has deep pockets and a reputation for turning around underperforming franchises. He doesn’t just throw money at problems. He restructures. He hires experts. He cares about branding.What This Means for the Club — and Its Fans
The Glazers still own 65%. Any deal would need their buy-in. But with the club reporting a £127.3 million loss for Q1 2025 — and commercial revenue barely outpacing matchday income — the pressure is mounting. Fans aren’t just asking for better football. They’re asking for ownership that doesn’t treat the club like a ATM. Ratcliffe’s three-year promise to Amorim feels like a lifeline thrown to a drowning man. But fans aren’t buying it. They want results now. And if Harris steps in, he won’t be bound by Ratcliffe’s timeline. He’ll want to fix things fast — starting with the manager, the squad, and the culture. This isn’t just about money. It’s about legacy. Manchester United was once the most feared club in the world. Now, it’s a cautionary tale. A £6 billion sale could be its redemption. Or its last chance.
What Happens Next?
The club hasn’t confirmed anything. CEO Omar Berrada has stayed silent. But sources say a deal could be announced before year-end. If Harris’s group wins, expect immediate changes: a new sporting director, a shake-up in recruitment, and possibly, a new manager by January. The Glazers? They’ll walk away with billions. But the real question is: will the fans ever trust new owners again?Behind the Numbers
- £127.3 million loss in Q1 2025 (ended June 30)- £102.8 million commercial revenue in same period
- £41.2 million matchday revenue
- 15th place in 2023-2024 Premier League (first time outside top 10 in 32 years)
- 10th place as of October 16, 2025 (14 points from 11 games)
- 78% of fans oppose Amorim’s continuation beyond this season
- £6 billion potential valuation (vs. £3 billion for Chelsea in 2022)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Turki Alalshikh buying Manchester United?
No. Alalshikh explicitly clarified on X that he is not the investor and that the potential buyer is not from Saudi Arabia. While he owns football clubs in Egypt and Spain, his role here is purely as a fan expressing hope for a sale — not as a financier or negotiator.
Who is the likely buyer of Manchester United?
According to multiple sources, including The Athletic, the leading bidder is a consortium led by American billionaire Josh Harris of Apollo Global Management. The proposed deal could value the club at £6 billion, making it the largest football sale ever.
Why is the Glazer family selling now?
The club’s financial performance has deteriorated sharply, with a £127.3 million loss in Q1 2025 and declining matchday revenue despite high ticket demand. Fan unrest, combined with INEOS’s limited control over commercial operations, has created pressure to fully exit. A £6 billion sale would allow the Glazers to cash out after 20 years of ownership.
What does Josh Harris bring that’s different?
Unlike previous investors, Harris has a track record of turning around underperforming sports franchises — notably the Philadelphia 76ers. He prioritizes data-driven decision-making, long-term infrastructure, and fan experience. If he takes over, expect major changes in recruitment, coaching, and stadium operations — not just big spending.
Is Saudi Arabia still involved in English football?
Yes — but not here. The Public Investment Fund owns 80% of Newcastle United and remains active in global sports investments. However, Alalshikh’s clarification and the lack of official Saudi involvement in United’s talks suggest a deliberate separation — likely to avoid political backlash and fan resistance.
What’s the timeline for the sale?
Sources indicate negotiations are advanced and a deal could be announced before December 2025. The Glazers must approve any sale, and due diligence on financials and legal structures is ongoing. If approved, the transition could begin immediately, with operational changes expected by January 2026.
