KEIR RADNEDGE REPORTING —- A bid from Qatar is among the opening salvoes in the auction to buy Manchester United from the Glazer family.

The Glazers paid £790m for United back in 2005 and would reap a massive profit if the eventual sale price tops £4bn. Meanwhile the Qatari interest will revive all the controversy over sportswashing which surrounded the World Cup finals in the Gulf state last November and December.

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, a member of ruling royal family and chair of one of its major banks, has confirmed that the bid will be led by an independent foundation. Another early expression of interest has come from Ineos billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

A statement on behalf of Sheikh Jassim’s foundation said: “The bid plans to return the club to its former glories. 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 the communities the club supports.

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

Ineos, which stepped into cycling by taking over the Sky team, also owns French Ligue 1 club Nice and Swiss outfit Lausanne as well as sailing team which has targeted the 2024 America’s Cup. The company also has a five-year partnership with Formula 1 team Mercedes.

Described as a life-long Manchester United fan, Sheikh Jassim is chairman of Qatari bank QIB and the son of a former prime minister of Qatar.

Other offer are expected from the United States and possibly Saudi Arabia.

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