Qatari investors have no intention of buying Manchester United again, as a key figure reveals the summer transfer window principle. Ferguson makes his first public appearance after recovery.

Recently, rumors have emerged that the Glazer family is contemplating a complete sale of their Manchester United shares, ending their 21-year tenure as owners. According to Bloomberg, among the six Glazer siblings who own 51% of the club, some desperately want to leave and are attempting to convince the others to join them. Manchester United's official response was a refusal to comment, and high-level club sources have denied the story. Meanwhile, British journalists cannot locate any member of the Glazer family.

In fact, rumors that the Glazer family wants to sell Manchester United appear almost every few months. This is especially common during the off-season when there is little news, so old topics are recycled. Moreover, the "drag-along clause" in Sir Jim Ratcliffe's acquisition agreement is currently in effect. Specifically, if the six Glazer siblings find a buyer, Ratcliffe would be forced to agree to sell his own shares.

However, the Daily Mail reports that no one is currently approaching potential buyers for Manchester United. In particular, the Qatari consortium, previously rumored to be competing with Ratcliffe, has not been contacted. Furthermore, even if the Glazer family does reach out, the likelihood of a Qatari bid is "extremely low."

In 2023, a consortium reportedly led by Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani planned a full takeover of Manchester United, offering a £5 billion bid, but ultimately lost to Ratcliffe. Ratcliffe's Ineos spent £1.3 billion to acquire 25% of Manchester United shares and gained control of the club's football operations.

At that time, Qatari sources revealed that Sheikh Jassim was furious and swore never to get involved in a Manchester United takeover again. It is understood that this stance has not changed. However, some doubt the authenticity of Sheikh Jassim himself, as he claimed to be a die-hard Manchester United fan but never actually appeared at the negotiating table during the acquisition process.

The Sun reports that the possibility of the Glazers selling Manchester United now is almost nonexistent. Only a small faction within the family holds this idea, and it has existed for years. Co-chairman Joel Glazer, in particular, wants to stay with Manchester United.

The rumors of a sale may have other motives. After the news broke, Manchester United's stock price rose by 7%, pushing the club's market value to £2.8 billion. Moreover, the Glazer family demands £6 billion to sell Manchester United, making it even harder to find a buyer.

Currently, Manchester United is in an ideal situation, having finished third in the Premier League, securing a return to the Champions League, and significantly boosting the club's commercial appeal. This summer, Manchester United plans to make a big push, bringing in new signings to strengthen the squad with the aim of competing for the title within the next two years. Ratcliffe's ambitious goal is to win the Premier League title by 2028, the club's 150th anniversary.

Manchester United CEO Omar Berrada confirmed on Thursday that the club will continue the transfer principles used last summer, primarily signing new players with Premier League experience, along with one or two from European leagues. Last year, the Red Devils brought in Cunha and Mbeumo from the Premier League, while overseas signings included Sesko and Ramens, all four making significant contributions.

Berrada said: "I think what Manchester United did last summer will be replicated in many ways. When you enter a transfer window, you never know exactly how it will end, but you must be well prepared and have a clear plan. You need to know exactly what areas you want to strengthen, while also being ready for any unexpected situations. Opportunities may arise that we didn't anticipate at the start of the window. So we must always be prepared."

The Manchester United executive added: "We need to be flexible and agile, but also have a clear plan. Jason Wilcox and his team have already developed that plan. And I believe the model from last season is a good direction for us to move forward. We want a squad that combines experienced players with energetic young talents. We want players who have proven themselves in the Premier League, as well as those who have performed excellently in leagues outside England. But we will always act according to our principles, ensuring that every decision represents not only short-term gains but also long-term development."

Manchester United's last Premier League title came under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson. At the end of last season, before the Premier League clash between Manchester United and Liverpool, Ferguson arrived at Old Trafford to watch the match but suddenly felt unwell and was taken to hospital. After that, he did not watch the remaining games of the season and also missed the end-of-season LMA Managers' Association awards ceremony.

However, the 84-year-old former manager has now recovered and made his first public appearance. He was spotted at a restaurant in Wilmslow, Manchester, smiling for a photo with a fan named Vimal Devassy, looking in good health.

The fan admitted that meeting Ferguson made him tremble with excitement because he regards the Red Devils' patriarch as a father figure who nurtured his ultimate idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. "Not every photo tells a story; some capture a feeling. I was shaking with excitement—not because I met a football legend," Devassy said. "My whole body trembled because I was standing next to the man who shaped my idol, Cristiano Ronaldo."

Devassy added: "I'm not a die-hard Manchester United fan, but I admire Ferguson. His relationship with Ronaldo has always inspired me. I will never forget this moment. Thank you, Sir Alex Ferguson!"

He told British media about the encounter: "I went to the restaurant for lunch and happened to meet him. Before he left, I asked if I could take a photo with him. He kindly agreed, and I am very grateful. It was a simple yet special moment that I will cherish forever."

Manchester United fans are overjoyed to see Ferguson recovered and back to normal life. It is expected that he will return to Old Trafford next season to watch the Red Devils' new campaign.