City of the United Arab Emirates, United of Qatar, by Xavier Bosch
The important thing is not if in your day Julia Roberts he put on the Manchester United shirt and not that of Manchester City, which has been one of the themes of the week. What is interesting is what is going on in geopolitics in one of the world capitals of soccer.
Manchester is fast becoming the paradigm of the new world. Manchester United would be a few hours away from passing into Qatari hands. The same as in his day they took over PSG, now the sheikh Jassim bin Hamed Al Thani would be close to closing the purchase agreement with the family glazer, still owners of the Old Trafford outfit. North American billionaires have never had the affection of the ‘network’ fans.
We’ll see what happens if the deal is finally closed and United becomes Qatari property. Suddenly, another Club-state that will have all the checks from the sheikh to buy everything he wants in the football market.
Meanwhile, on the opposite sidewalk, is a Manchester City that with the arrival of guardiola has passed its hand over the face to the almighty United, which is owned by the Abu Dhabi United Groupthat is, from the neighboring country of Qatar: United Arab Emirates.
the sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan is the one who moves the strings and the money, far above Ferran Soriano and company. They are the new signs of the time where the upstarts to soccer are the new rich, capricious countries, and in need of global love. Powerful gentleman, gift of money. Meanwhile, at Barça we fight to keep full ownership in the hands of the partners. We are the last romantics. “More than a club”.
