A leading Manchester United supporter group has raised concerns about a potential takeover of the club from countries where same-sex relationships are criminalised.
Wealthy Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani has already submitted an offer, while Saudi Arabia is said to be interested in ending the Glazer family’s disputed rule.
Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) has echoed LGBTQ+ support group Rainbow Devils’ unease in a statement to potential buyers, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos.
Ratcliffe has made a takeover bid but his company’s stake in Ligue 1 club Nice was another topic of unrest at MUST, which has urged any new owners to hold talks with supporters’ groups.
The group said in a statement: “There are questions about sporting integrity, given the exceptionally close ties between some bidders and the owners of other European clubs, including PSG and Nice.
“We also note the importance of every property owner respecting the rights of all people, especially women and the LGBTQ+ community. Concerns have been raised by other fan groups, which we fully support.
“We urge all bidders to open a dialogue with supporter groups alongside the application process with the club to discuss their proposals including the above points.”
Erik ten Hag has guided Manchester United to third place in the Premier League (Martin Rickett/PA)
MUST made a list of inquiries to each new owner in December, with funding for the bid being paramount given the Glazer family’s controversial leveraged takeover.
The Glazers were deeply unpopular owners but Ratcliffe, who claims to be a childhood United fan like his rival Al Thani, has hinted his bid would put the Old Trafford club out of debt.
MUST add: “There are also questions as to whether any bids will also be based on high levels of debt.”
United are third in the Premier League and will play Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final next weekend, with Erik ten Hag set to revive the club’s fortunes in recent months.
The Glazers were unpopular owners of United (PA)
MUST added: “Everyone can see the progress Erik Ten Hag’s team is making. After the frustrations of the past decade, it is clear that tremendous progress is being made. Any potential bidder must make a strong commitment to support Erik and his plans to bring United back to glory.”
Ten Hag admitted the potential buyout has drawn the attention of his players and staff, but ahead of Sunday’s visit to Leicester, the Dutchman urged United to focus on matters on the pitch.
Ten Hag said on Sky Sports: “We’re following the news, we’re obviously excited to see what’s going to happen because we’re committed, it’s our club but ultimately it has nothing to do with us.
“We have to focus on football, that’s all we have to do. We have to perform, we have to get the right results and not get distracted by things that are going on around the club.”
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