Manchester United officials have denied claims that the club is in advanced talks over a new ownership deal, following comments made by Saudi Arabia’s sports minister, Turki Al-Sheikh.
Al-Sheikh, 44, posted on X on Wednesday night that a deal to sell part of the Premier League side was nearing completion. “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. “I hope he’s better than the previous owners.”
His post came just hours after minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe gave a lengthy interview outlining his long-term vision for the club, addressing everything from manager Ruben Amorim’s future to plans for squad development and infrastructure.
However, club sources told British media on Thursday morning that Al-Sheikh’s comments “came as a surprise” and that they are unaware of any such negotiations taking place.
The Glazer family remains the majority shareholder, having rejected a multi-billion-pound bid from Sheikh Jassim Al Thani’s Qatari consortium nearly two years ago. Instead, Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed a £1.25 billion deal in early 2024 to acquire a 27.7 per cent stake in the club and take control of football operations.
While there are no new investment talks, United are understood to be in discussions over a potential mid-season friendly in Riyadh as part of commercial opportunities in the region. Al-Sheikh has been involved in those arrangements through his role overseeing Saudi sports initiatives.
Ruben Amorim’s squad face a relatively light fixture calendar this season after missing out on European qualification and exiting the Carabao Cup early, creating space for possible exhibition matches abroad.
United officials insist any reports of ownership talks are inaccurate and that their current focus remains on football operations and strengthening the team under Ratcliffe’s leadership.