Baffled Man Utd officials deny 'advanced takeover talks' after Saudi chief claim

MANCHESTER UNITED have played down claims the club is in advanced talks with a new investor.

Saudi Arabia sports supremo Turki Al-Sheikh announced on Wednesday night that a deal to sell part of the Prem giants is nearing completion.

2 Turki Al-Sheikh claimed Manchester United are at an 'advanced stage' of being sold Credit: FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images

2 Man Utd have played down claims they are being sold to a new investor Credit: PA

Al-Sheikh , 44, is understood to be involved in trying to arrange a mid-season friendly for the Red Devils in Riyadh.

And he posted on X: “The best news I heard today is that Manchester United is now in an advanced stage of completing a deal to sell to a new investor... I hope he’s better than the previous owners.”

His post came just hours after a lengthy interview with part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe had been aired – in which he talked about his long-term vision for the club.

However, on Thursday morning United sources said the reports had come as a surprise - and they are unsure what they are based on.

Majority owners the Glazer family rejected a huge offer from Sheikh Jassim At Thani’s Qatar-based consortium almost two years ago.

Instead they accepted Ratcliffe’s £1.25billion offer for a 27.7 per cent stake in the club – which was finalised early last year.

United are in talks over the possibility of a money-spinning trip to Saudi Arabia to play a friendly at some point this season – although nothing has yet been finalised.

Ruben Amorim’s squad have a lot of blank midweeks after failing to qualify for Uefa competitions and also crashing out of the Carabao Cup early.

Ratcliffe covered a lot of important matters during his interview on Wednesday.

The Red Devils' minority owner addressed Amorim's future and stated he wants to give the Portuguese tactician a chance to prove himself on a long-term basis.

Ratcliffe told The Times' Business Podcast : “He has not had the best of seasons. Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years. That’s where I would be.”