Glazers consider selling stake in Man Utd: The details
Suraj Radia
- 17 Aug 2022 19:05 BST
- 3 min read
The Glazer family are considering selling a minority stake in Manchester United, according to Bloomberg.
The owners have held preliminary discussions about the possibility of bringing in a new investor, although they are not ready to relinquish control of the club despite pressure from the fans.
The club could be valued at around £5 billion, although there is no certainty that a stake will be sold as discussions are still in the preliminary stages.
A number of meetings between prospective buyers and brokers have been in action since May, due to a feeling in the industry that 'the deal of the century could be on', according to The Independent.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who already owns French club Nice, has previously made his interest known and is widely considered as the most likely buyer.
United's stock rose as much as 7.6% amidst the rumours, particularly after billionaire Elon Musk joked on Twitter that he would buy the club.
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Glazers taking a step towards an exit?
United supporters have long been vocal over the Glazer's ownership since they bought the club in 2005, with a portion of fans forming a new club, FC United of Manchester, in retaliation.
The teams struggles on the pitch in recent times has seen the pressure increase on the owners, particularly after a failed attempt to form a breakaway European Super League last year.
The club have began the new season with back-to-back defeats, including a humiliating 4-0 loss to Brentford, leaving them bottom of the Premier League for the first time in 30 years.
🔴 Glazer takeover at #MUFC led to £660m of debt
🔴 Club's average annual interest payments 2006-10 were £95m
🔴 Share price down from original $14
🔴 Glazers have earned at least £500m since 2006@mjshrimper on why United's greatest financial problem is arguably not debt— The Athletic UK (@TheAthleticUK) August 16, 2022
New manager Erik ten Hag has been allowed to bring in just three players so far this summer, despite an internal acceptance that they would need at least five new signings.
Club legend Cristiano Ronaldo has also demanded to leave Old Trafford just one year after returning, due to the club's failure to qualify for the Champions League and their underwhelming transfer business thusfar.
United are set for a busy end to the transfer window, with more than 20 names having been linked with the club in recent days, however any takeover talk will likely drag on into the long-term.
