Manchester United takeover: The rule that could stop Qatar's £4.5 billion bid | OneFootball

Manchester United, according to reports, are set to be subject to a bid worth in excess of £4.5 billion from the Emir of Qatar.

According to the reports, the Emir of Qatar wants to buy Man United and give Erik ten Hag a pretty healthy transfer kitty to spend on reinforcements this summer.

The overall aim is to take Man United back to the top of world football, having not enjoyed much success since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure in 2013.

Are Qatar going to buy Manchester United?

Understandably, Man United fans are pretty happy with the news of the potential takeover, but perhaps their supporters shouldn't get too excited...

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The Guardian is reporting that a UEFA rule might stop Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani from actually being able to purchase Man United, should a bid be launched and subsequently accepted.

The Emir, according to the report, is part of the group that owns Paris Saint-Germain, having taken over the club in 2011, which could provide a potential issue.

UEFA have ruled that clubs with the same owners are not able to face each other in their competitions, including the Champions League, which Man United and PSG could do, and have done previously.

The Guardian's report notes that Qatari officials are aware of the rule and the potential issues it could cause for their takeover bid, and are working on a solution to still purchase the club.

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United, looks on prior to the Carabao Cup Semi Final 1st Leg match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester United at City Ground on January 25, 2023 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

How are Man United doing this season?

Takeovers usually result in a pretty drastic change in fortunes for a club, just ask Newcastle United, but Man United are currently doing quite well this season under The Glazers.

Ten Hag has made United incredibly difficult to play against once again, with his side still in both the FA Cup and Europa League.

United are also within one game of winning their first trophy since 2017, when they face the aforementioned Newcastle in the final of the Carabao Cup later this month.

The Red Devils are also, in the eyes of some, still in the race to win the Premier League with rivals Man City and Arsenal, sitting just eight points off the league leaders.