Manchester United takeover: Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim favourite, his net worth, things to know about him

According to reports, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar has trumped Sir Jim Ratcliffe to the sale of Manchester United from the Glazer family. Very recently, the chairman of the Qatar Islamic Bank apparently launched his fifth and last bid to buy the 20-time English champions.

According to some latest reports, Sheikh Jassim's offer is the one that Manchester United's existing owners, the Glazers, prefer.

Earlier it was believed that the British billionaire and Chairman of INEOS leading the race, however, the latest reports now suggest otherwise. Sheikh Jassim is attempting to acquire all of Manchester United in a transaction that would end the Glazer family's ownership of the team.

While the financials have not been disclosed yet, however as per local media reports Sheikh Jassim’s final bid was worth about 5 billion Pounds. These recent revelations have excited United supporters as it indicates that the takeover process is about to come to a close.

Though, if he were to take over the club what the fans can expect? What else do we know about the man behind this latest bid? Here we have taken a look:

Who is Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani?

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, a former head of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), is a member of the Qatari royal family. He is a successful businessman with a $20 billion net worth.

In addition, he holds a sizable stake in a number of businesses, including Qatar Airways, Qatar Telecom, and Qatar Petroleum. He however is known to be a complex figure as well. He is a philanthropist and has donated millions of dollars to charities in Qatar and around the world.

He has also been criticised for his human rights record and his links to the Qatari government. Despite the controversies, Sheikh Jassim is a popular figure in Qatar.

What Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani has promised to Manchester United fans?

Sheikh Jassim has made a number of promises to Manchester United fans if his takeover bid is successful that includes investing in the stadium and other club facilities, improving the training facilities and training ground, removing the club's full debt, providing more transfer money to the manager and more precisely enhancing fan engagement.

These promises have been welcomed by many United fans, who have been unhappy with the club's ownership under the Glazer family. Now it remains to be seen how his ownership of Manchester United will impact the club and its fans.