The Glazer family have reportedly named their price for Man United amid continued rumours of a change in ownership.
Speculation surrounding a potential new buyer of the Red Devils has grown in recent weeks. For the majority of fans, this is welcome news. Before their 2-1 win over Liverpool, thousands of supporters protested at their current owners.
This was one of a number of demonstrations against the Glazers and their ownership of Man United in the past few years. The lack of involvement and strategy at the club has frustrated many fans.
Additionally, the American owners have taken hundreds of millions of pounds out of the club in dividends, annoying fans further. This stings even more when you consider that Man United currently have a debt of nearly £500 million, per The Independent.
As on-pitch performance in recent years has declined, too, the anger in the stands has only intensified. Therefore, many fans rejoiced at the news that the Glazers were considering the sale of Man United in August.
But who is interested in acquiring the Red Devils?
Potential bidders
Currently, the front runner of any potential sale is British billionaire, and United fan, Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Already the owner of two football teams, the CEO of chemical firm INEOS would love to be in charge of his boyhood club.
A few weeks ago, Sky Sports reported that Ratcliffe was “serious” about buying Man United. He would involve former players in the club’s running to help with direction. Another interesting addition to his plans is former Team Sky cycling boss, Sir Dave Brailsford.
Ratcliffe clearly wants to own a Premier League side, tabling a bid for Chelsea earlier this year. However, as a fan of United, he may have more passion for this project.
Elsewhere, Mercedes F1 driver Lewis Hamilton hinted that he could join in on Ratcliffe’s bid, per Daily Mail. This is despite him being a well-known Arsenal fan.
Now that they know there is a market for Man United, the Glazers have reportedly set their price for the club.
Glazers set price for Man United ownership
The Daily Mail also claims that the current owners of the Old Trafford side would want an eye-watering £3.75 billion for their club. For comparison, Todd Boehly bought Chelsea for a higher fee of £4.25 billion earlier this year.
This is within the realms of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, but even he may still hesitate at such a huge fee.
Eurosport, meanwhile, suggests that Dubai may take inspiration from Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia by purchasing their own football team.
Sheikh Mansour, a member of the Abu Dhabi royal family, owns Man City. Similarly, the Saudi public investment fund bought Newcastle last season. So, Dubai’s royal family could follow in the footsteps of their Gulf Kingdom counterparts.
As it stands, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s earlier interest makes him the only known potential buyer, though.
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