Numerous United supporters have criticized the Glazer family for years, but their objections have always appeared futile. A review of the club could result in them leaving Old Trafford, although it is by no means certain.
The American owners of Manchester United have announced that they are exploring “strategic alternatives” to increase the club’s sporting and financial performance.
It follows Sky’s City editor Mark Kleinman’s exclusive revelation that the Glazer family was preparing to disclose the news and was already consulting with bankers.
Fans of Manchester United have long campaigned against the club’s American owners, whom they accuse of insufficient investment and overburdening the club with debt.
They said on Tuesday that the possibility of selling was now on the table after 17 years in charge.
The board of directors will “examine strategic alternatives for the club,” which may include “new investment in the club, a sale, or other transactions,” according to a statement.
Redevelopment of the stadium and infrastructure, as well as expansion of the club’s global commercial interests, will be evaluated.
Since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down as manager in 2013, Manchester United has struggled to match the glory days of Sir Alex.
In a recent interview with Piers Morgan, Cristiano Ronaldo also criticized the club’s facilities, current manager Erik ten Hag, and the Glazer family’s mentality.
“The Glazers have no interest in the team. I mean, in professional sports, Manchester United is a marketing club “uttered the player.
The fallout resulted in the Portuguese superstar and Manchester United announcing on Tuesday that he was quitting the club immediately by mutual agreement.
Gary Neville, another former United great, has previously referred to the Glazers as “scavengers” who “ought to be kicked out of this football club and kicked out of the country.”
He made the remarks after the team was among those seeking to launch a breakaway European Super League, a concept rejected by the vast majority of the soccer community.
Could a millionaire from Manchester place a bid?
Executive co-chairmen and board members Avram Glazer and Joel Glazer stated that their evaluation would be “entirely focused on serving the best interests of our fans, stockholders, and other stakeholders.”
However, the statement stressed that neither a sale nor any other transaction is assured.
Sky’s Mark Kleinman suggests that a partial sale to new partners to create funds for the rebuilding of Old Trafford is one potential consequence.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the British millionaire and a longtime supporter who grew up in Manchester, may be among the potential owners.
In the summer, he stated that he would be interested in purchasing the club, but in October, he disclosed that he had talked with the Glazers and they “won’t sell.”
Billionaires from around the world, as well as sovereign investors looking to replicate the takeover of Newcastle United by Saudi state-backed investors, are set to submit proposals.
In addition, there will be rumors that the Red Knights, a consortium chaired by former United director and notable economist Lord O’Neill, may rekindle their interest beginning in 2010.
A few weeks before Manchester United’s assessment, Liverpool’s U.S. owners stated that they were also open to offers and had already received interest from entities seeking to purchase shares.
