Manchester United’s rivals, including Liverpool, could benefit from ‘revenge’ Qatari investment

Qatar’s failure to acquire Manchester United could open the door to ‘revenge’ investment in a Premier League rival.

It comes after Sheikh Jassim withdrew from the race to purchase full control of the Old Trafford club from the Glazers after a year-long saga.

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INEOS owner and self-proclaimed Manchester United fan Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly close to acquiring 25 per cent stake in the Red Devils despite owning Ligue 1 club Nice.

But it appears that Sheikh Jassim has not given up hope of taking control of a Premier League club and has been tipped to table a bid for United’s bitter rivals Liverpool.

The Merseyside club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, admitted to being ‘open to offers’ for the club last November and have actively negotiated with investors.

Daily Mail journalist Mike Keegan suggested on the ‘It’s All Kicking Off’ podcast a bid for the Reds would not be beyond the realms of possibility.

"The Qataris set aside about $8 billion (£6.57 billion) for the United project,” said Keegan.

"That money is there and ready to go, burning a hole in their pockets, so what a story that would be [to buy Liverpool].

"From what I am led to believe, they [Qataris] are very, very disappointed and angered at how this has played out.

"What better way to respond than to get United's biggest rivals from down the road and throw all that money you were going to throw into Manchester United into making them pay for that decision not to sell to you."

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But Liverpool owner John Henry, all-but ruled out a full sale of the club earlier this year, insisting Fenway Sports Group were committed to the club.

He told the Boston Sports Journal (via The Independent): “I know there has been a lot of conversation and quotes about LFC, but I keep to the facts: we merely formalised an ongoing process.

“Will we be in England forever? No. Are we selling LFC? No. Are we talking with investors about LFC? Yes. Will something happen there? I believe so, but it won’t be a sale.

"Have we sold anything in the past 20-plus years?”

Fenway Sports Group agreed to sell a minority stake to private equity firm Dynasty Equity last month worth in the region of £80m-£160m which would help cover Liverpool’s summer transfer investment.