Finnish businessman talks about Manchester United: My plan can help Manchester United rise, but the current Red Devils make my heart cry

October 10th: Finnish businessman Thomas Chiliakus claimed in a recent interview that he is planning to contact investors to acquire Manchester United. And he is interested in working with United co-owner Ratcliffe and other supporters.

When the Glazer family announced in 2023 that they would consider selling Manchester United in full or in part, Zigliakus was one of the many bidders. But his fan-led plan was submitted too late, and Ratcliffe's Ineos Group ended up buying nearly 30% of United's shares and taking over football operations.

This week, there are rumors that the Red Devils may be sold, with the United Arab Emirates making an offer. Turki Al-Sheikh, advisor to the Saudi royal family and head of culture and entertainment, claimed that a businessman was in "intensive negotiations" with Manchester United's top brass.

In an exclusive interview with the Manchester Evening News, Zigliakus said: "I have been thinking about the possibilities of investing in Manchester United over the last week and drafted a basic plan to see how to approach certain parties and whether there is anything that can be done. It is about joining forces with the right partners, with a clear goal, which is to return Manchester United to the top club in the world.

"My love for the club has never changed and I think the opportunities still exist. So I'm really looking forward to getting the opportunity to talk to key people and see what we can do. Of course, the current key figure is Ratcliffe. It would be great if other parties are willing to join.

"The attitude of some investors is almost all or nothing, which is that either they own Manchester United alone or they have no interest. So you have to find investors who are willing to look out for the best interests of the club and not just their own interests."

Ziliakus insists that if he were in control of Manchester United, he would pursue fan-led plans. And his acquisition will not be a complete takeover, and he believes that this is not a plan that the Glazer family is currently willing to accept.

He said: "I think it's a pity that I think the Glazers have become an example of not thinking about the club and just seeing it as a cash cow. In any case, they are not doing what they should be doing. I have a plan involving overseas fans who cannot be there to watch in person. "With this money, Manchester United can achieve all that needs to be done to truly become the best football club in the world, the place that all top players, coaches and indeed everyone aspires to be." "

Ziliakus also said he was willing to work with any investor, including another former bidder: Qatari banker Jassim. "

He said: "In fact, I have no objection to working with Ratcliffe or any other investor, no matter who he is." Because I am not trying to get an honor to show off, but to make this club that I have supported since I was 12 years old the best in the world. When I see the current situation of the Red Devils, my heart is crying. United are well below where they should be and could be better if managed properly.

"After the offer was made, I realized that the Glazers were pulling a string of strings where Ratcliffe, Jassim and I kept raising the price, so that the price kept getting higher and higher. I publicly stated that this was madness and that the money should be used for the club itself, not to make the Glazers richer.

"So I proposed: 'Why not join forces and take over Manchester United? ’ I’m completely open to the possibility and would be more than happy to discuss options with Jassim, Ratcliffe or other investors. "