When will Man Utd’s takeover be completed?

Suraj Radia

• 1 Dec 2022 16:07 CST
• 2 min read

The takeover of Manchester United could be resolved in the coming months after the Glazer family revealed they were ‘exploring strategic alternatives’ for the club.

The Glazers purchased United in a leveraged £790 million buyoyt in 2005 and the club have spent more than £1bn on interest and loan payments since, as well as share dividends, the majority of which have gone to the American family.

The takeover drew significant protest from fans and the calls for the Glazers to sell have the club have intensified in recent years, in part due to the club’s decline on the pitch as well as the failed attempt to launch the European Super League.

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The Glazer family confirmed last week that they were open to offers for investment and a report from the BBC claims that, while there is no official timescale or commitment to sell, a deal could be concluded by the spring.

It has been stressed that a sale will only be concluded if the price is right, with United’s valuation on the New York Stock Exchange being roughly around £3bn, but the Glazers’ asking price is likely to be in excess of that.

The BBC report also states that there is a belief the unpopularity of the Glazer family would be ‘an advantage’ in the sales process, with prospective buyers ready to take advantage of a ‘once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’ to buy one of the biggest sporting brands in the world.

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Any new owners would gain the additional benefit of replacing the Glazers and thus bringing an immediate positive atmosphere to the club’s supporter base.

However, with prospective owners also likely to have to fund urgent work on United’s Old Trafford stadium, the number of buyers able to fund the multi-billion pound purchase appears small.

Saudi Arabian representatives have already encouraged domestic investors to purchase United and there is potential for a state-funded takeover from another country, similar to Newcastle’s last year.

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With United’s rivals Liverpool also believed to be up for sale, there could be competition for both clubs and a potential for brand new oil-rich owners at two historic English clubs.

Chelsea were also bought by American businessman Todd Boehly earlier this year for £4.25bn, however the fee was thought to be smaller than anticipated due to the sanctions placed on former owner Roman Abramovich, meaning the amount to purchase United or Liverpool could be significantly higher.