Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani has avoided making direct contact with Man United's takeover handlers Raine because he is 'trying to stay out of the public eye'.
The Qatari billionaire who wants to buy Manchester United made an extraordinary eleventh-hour 'take it or leave it' offer for the club on Tuesday evening.
However, Sheikh Jassim's decision to refrain from the spotlight is said to be playing into Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s favour when it comes to taking over the club.
Several sources 'close to the deal' are reportedly stating that Ratcliffe’s team are confident that his INEOS bid will be successful as a result.
According to The Athletic, representatives for Sheikh Jassim say 'he is not someone who wants to be in the public eye'.
Sheikh Jassim's desire to remain in the shadows can be evidenced by the fact he refrained from visiting Old Trafford and Carrington in person.
Instead he sent a group including Shahzad Shahbaz - the president of the Nine Two Foundation - and Fady Bakhos - the most senior personal adviser to the Qatari royal.
While the likes of Ratcliffe attended United's facilities in person alongside Sir Dave Brailsford - the former British Cycling chief, who is instrumental in Ratcliffe's bid.