MU unexpectedly receives a Christmas gift worth nearly half a billion Pounds

A Finnish entrepreneur who once took part in the race to take over MU has unexpectedly come back with a fresh offer, over two years after stepping back from the club's acquisition.

Thomas Zilliacus is one of the three prominent figures competing for ownership of Manchester United in 2023, alongside Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim. At that time, the Glazer family was considering selling all or part of the club, sparking a global bidding war. The Finnish businessman proposed a fan-centered model and claimed this plan could help Man United generate long-term value up to 15 billion Pounds.

However, this proposal was later withdrawn. Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Ineos secured control of the sports division, with the British billionaire officially owning 27.7% of shares at Old Trafford. Nevertheless, in an exclusive with Manchester Evening News, Zilliacus affirmed he has never given up on his ambition to contribute to the Red Devils.

This time, Zilliacus is not offering to buy shares but proposes a major sponsorship package through his company XXI Century Capital Group. He said this is a Christmas gift he wants to give to the Old Trafford club.

Zilliacus stated: "For me, this is not about owning something. Nor is it about having a trophy to show off. What matters is how to make Manchester United financially stronger, capable of becoming the number one club not only in England but across Europe."

According to the announced plan, the sponsorship package totals 500 million USD, equivalent to about 375 million Pounds, spanning five years. The core of this proposal focuses on a strategy to engage fans worldwide. Zilliacus said he owns a unique fan activation program capable of generating sustainable revenue to support Manchester United in the long run.

Notably, the Finnish businessman expressed a desire to collaborate directly with Sir Jim Ratcliffe. He revealed that during the time all three parties were bidding for Manchester United, he had proposed a partnership idea instead of competition to drive the sale price higher, thereby delivering greater benefits to the Glazer family.