Xavi labels prospective Manchester United Qatari owner Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani a ‘very good person’ and believes takeover would benefit club
Barcelona boss Xavi believes prospective Manchester United owner Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani would be 'very good' for the club.
The Glazers, who are said to value the club at £6billion, are open to selling the Old Trafford club and received bids from the club last week.
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And one potential buyer has emerged in the shape of Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani, a member of Qatar's ruling royal family, who have a reported collected net worth of £275bn.
It has set many tongues wagging among the United fanbase, who have been desperate to see the end of the Glazers reign, and Barca boss Xavi knows the Sheikh well.
"It's the rule of the offer," the Spaniard told journalists after being asked what he felt about state-owned clubs amid interest from Al Thani in United.
"I have a good relationship with the Sheikh and he's a serious, responsible person and I think he would do a good job."
Xavi was asked further what he meant by his comments, to which he replied: "I know him so well. I think he's a very good person with responsibility, serious.
"I think it would be a very good option for United."
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Xavi spent the final years of his playing career in Qatar after joining Al Sadd in 2015 before retiring in 2019.
After hanging up his boots, the Spain legend went on to coach the Doha-based side for two years before moving to former club Barcelona as manager.
It was during his time in Qatar where he built up his relationship with the Sheikh, who is understood to be a lifelong fan of the Red Devils.
The wealthy Qatari banker is not the only interested party in United, though, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe also stating that he has lodged a formal bid to purchase the club.
Regarded as Britain's richest man, the Ineos CEO is also a boyhood United fan while he also owns French side OGC Nice, who have signed former Premier League stars including Ross Barkley, Kasper Schmeichel and Aaron Ramsey in recent times.
United States-based hedge fund Elliott Management are also said to have lodged a potential proposal that could see the Glazers remain in their role.
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A bid from Qatar has sparked plenty of conversation over the controversy of another state-owned club in the Premier League, however, the sheikh insists his intentions are good.
As Al Thani announced his intention to buy Man United, a statement from his camp read: "Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani today confirmed his submission of a bid for 100 per cent of Manchester United Football Club.
"The bid plans to return the club to its former glories both on and off the pitch, and — above all — will seek to place the fans at the heart of Manchester United Football Club once more.
"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."
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United take on Barcelona on Thursday night at Old Trafford in the second leg of their Europa League tie.
The two European juggernauts met last week at the Nou Camp where they thrashed out an entertaining 2-2 draw that leaves the tie in the balance.
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