Manchester United being taken off the market has disappointed many fans who wanted the club to be sold this year, as the Glazers family is no longer interested in selling the club for the time being. The fans are not very happy about this as they blame the American family for their club’s poor performance and debts.
Malcolm Glazer took over the club back in 2005 when Manchester United was the biggest club in the Premier League, trampling over every English club that came its way. Unfortunately today, the club’s name does not carry the weight it once used to.
Glazers reportedly to take Manchester United off the market
The Glazers were willing to sell the club, but apparently, they did not accept any of the offers presented to them. They were looking for a bid worth £10 billion. The family wanted to sell the club to someone who would either take 100% stakes in the club or leave them with a minority share.
Only two suitable bidders, Sheik Jassim of Qatar, and British banker Sir Jim Ratcliffe, remained till the very end.
Sheik Jassim was ready to buy the club in its entirety whereas Sir Jim Ratcliffe offered to buy the majority share of the club leaving Glazers a few percent. In the end, Sheik Jassim came on top offering £6 billion to buy Manchester United and clear off its debts.
After a lengthy and dramatic bidding period, the Glazer ultimately decided to pull the club out of the market, with no takeover taking place.
Glazers stayed on the market since last year
This has disappointed not only fans but ex-players who wanted Galzers to let go of the club. Current Inter Miami owner and former player David Beckham expressed his views on the matter, saying: “Off the field, as a fan and ex-player, I just want it resolved. There has to be a decision [regarding the ownership]. Whoever is running your club, you want them to be passionate, be involved, make the right decisions, bring in the right players, and invest in the club.”
Talks of the club being up for sale first emerged in November 2022 when the owners said they were exploring “strategic alternatives” that may involve investments, a sale, or other transactions. “As we seek to continue building on the club’s history of success, the board has authorized a thorough evaluation of strategic alternatives. We will evaluate all options to ensure that we best serve our fans and that Manchester United maximizes the significant growth opportunities available to the Club today and in the future. Throughout this process we will remain fully focused on serving the best interests of our fans, shareholders, and various stakeholders.” said Avram Glazer and Joel Glazer.
The club is no longer for sale and the Glazers will look for options once again in 2025. They hope Erik Ten Hag can get them more league titles by then to increase the value of the club. Reports claim that the owners will be willing to sell the club for a bid of 7 to £ 10 billion.
