Finnish businessman Thomas Zilliacus teases fans with a possible comeback in Manchester United’s ownership race — and he’s not ruling out teaming up with Sir Jim Ratcliffe or Sheikh Jassim.
It seems Manchester United’s ownership saga might have just kicked off again — yes, another chapter in football’s longest-running boardroom drama.
Former bidder Thomas Zilliacus has reportedly reignited his interest in buying the club, dropping hints that he could make a sensational return to the takeover scene.
The Finnish entrepreneur, who was part of the 2023 bidding race, says he’s back to “exploring possibilities” of investing in United.
That year, his fan-led approach didn’t quite cross the finish line, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually securing a minority stake and control over football operations.
But it appears Zilliacus isn’t ready to hang up his boots just yet.
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“Last week, I was sitting and thinking through all the possibilities of investing in Manchester United and drafting a basic plan on how I could approach certain parties to see if something could be done,” Zilliacus told Manchester Evening News.
“This is about joining forces with the right parties with the sole aim of bringing Manchester United back to where it should be as the number one club in the world.”
Could the Glazers finally be shown the red card?
While Zilliacus is open to working with Ratcliffe — and even former rival Sheikh Jassim — he made it clear that his goal isn’t personal glory.
“I’m not in this to have a trophy that I can show off to other people,” he said. “I’m in this to make a club that I’ve been a fan of since I was 12 years old the best club in the world.”
Zilliacus didn’t shy away from taking a dig at the current owners either, claiming the Glazers are “using the club as a cash cow.”
He also revealed plans for a fan-focused ownership model, especially aimed at global supporters who can’t make it to Old Trafford — an idea he believes could generate fresh revenue streams and reconnect the club with its worldwide fan base.
For now, the Glazers remain in charge, but United’s value continues to spark interest from big investors around the world.
And if Zilliacus’ words are anything to go by, the red half of Manchester might just be heading for another dramatic off-pitch showdown.
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