Manchester United

According to documents that were submitted by Man United to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani was unable to provide proof of funding during the takeover process despite numerous attempts from the club.

The Qatari banker was in talks over a potential takeover of the 20-time English champions between February 2023 and October 2023 before it was revealed that he had withdrawn his offer.

According to the documents, bidder A (Sheikh Jassim) failed to submit the "customary financing commitment letters", but according to the Daily Mail, those behind the Qatari bid have denied the suggestions.

The report claims that Sheikh Jassim's team are confident that they met the asking price for the club and were also unable to provide proof of funds as part of their attempts to complete a takeover.

The Qataris could allegedly now ask for a fresh statement from the SEC, but Man United remain confident that the information they provided was correct.

In November 2022, the Glazer family confirmed that they were willing to enter into discussions over a sale of the club, and Sheikh Jassim had seemingly been the clear favourite to complete a 100% takeover.

However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has now agreed to purchase 25% of the club, with the Premier League expected to ratify the deal within the next four weeks.

Ratcliffe, who was in the stands for Man United's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, will take over the football department at Old Trafford and has major changes planned at the club.

As part of the documents which were submitted, it is said that Sheikh Jassim's final offer for Man United was around £4bn, but it is alleged that figure is inaccurate.

There is believed to have been conflict within the Glazer family over the best course of action, with the Americans ultimately leaning away from a full sale.

Man United are yet to make a signing during the January transfer window, but there have been a number of exits, with Jadon Sancho the most high-profile of those, securing a return to Borussia Dortmund on loan.

Donny van de Beek (Eintracht Frankfurt), Hannibal Mejbri (Sevilla), Alvaro Fernandez (Benfica), Maxi Oyedele (Forest Green Rovers) and Joe Hugill (Burton Albion) have also moved on loan, while it was announced on Thursday that Sevilla had signed Mateo Mejia from the club on a permanent deal.