Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadium (Man United Twitter)
Thomas Zilliacus has promised Manchester United followers a say in squad constructing, redevelopment of Old Trafford and supporters would have the opportunity to purchase shares of the membership
Thomas Zilliacus stated in an interview printed on Thursday that Manchester United supporters could be at the centre of his proposed takeover of the Premier League membership, with a say on main points akin to floor redevelopment and squad constructing.
The Finnish businessman just lately joined the race to purchase United from the Glazer household, who introduced in November they have been contemplating promoting the 20-time English champions.
The 69-year-old Zilliacus, who based funding firm Mobile FutureWorks, is the third potential purchaser to go public together with his curiosity in the membership.
Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jaber Al Thani and British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe have additionally thrown their hats into the ring.
Both events made second bids final week.
US hedge fund Elliott Investment Management, which offered AC Milan for $1.3 billion final yr, has reportedly made a bid for a minority stake in the membership.
No figures have been revealed by the Raine Group, which is dealing with the affords on behalf of the Glazers, however a number of of the preliminary bids is known to be in the area of £4.5 billion ($5.5 billion).
The Glazers have reportedly put a price ticket of £6 billion on the three-time Champions League winners.
Zilliacus, stated to be a United supporter, favours a mannequin during which his consortium would purchase the membership after which promote shares to supporters worldwide.
ALSO READ|Â FIFA Slap Cologne With Transfer Ban Over Signing of 17 Year Old Jaka Cuber Potocnik
“It (United) was there lengthy earlier than all these individuals who are bidding for it have been born and will probably be right here lengthy in any case these individuals who are bidding for it have handed away,” he told the I newspaper.
“The backbone of that institution is the fans and in that respect it’s hugely important the fans are at the centre of the decisions.”
United followers have spent years complaining about the Glazers, even breaking into Old Trafford to drive the postponement of a match in opposition to Liverpool in 2021 in protest at the Americans’ unpopular reign.
Zilliacus stated if his bid is chosen, followers could be given a say on main points akin to potential redevelopment of Old Trafford and squad constructing, however not crew choice.
ALSO READ|Â Manchester City Owner Sheikh Mansour Named as New UAE Vice-President
Although he’s a latecomer in the takeover battle, Zilliacus is adamant his funding group ought to be thought-about a severe contender.
“I’ve been doing enterprise all my life. I’ve began corporations, purchased corporations, offered corporations so I’ve a world community and I’ve carried out this on a world scale — first with the largest cellphone firm in the world, Nokia, then with my very own group,” he stated.
“I’ve a community that spans the globe of individuals who need to take part in attention-grabbing ventures, and this definitely is one.
“To put together financing for something like this — and it is a big sum — is something I’m used to.”
Read all the Latest Sports News right here
(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is printed from a syndicated information company feed)