Full sale of Manchester United is 'still the most probable conclusion'
Full sale of Manchester United is STILL the most probable outcome despite multiple offers for a partial stake as third and final deadline approaches… with the Glazers aware of the potential outrage if they decide not to sell
- Glazers could remain in charge of Man United by selling a partial stake in club
- That scenario would be likely to trigger outrage among United supporters
- April 28 has been set as the deadline for final offers from interested parties
A full sale remains the likeliest outcome from the Manchester United’s search for investment, Mail Sport understands.
Late last year the club’s owners, the Glazer family, announced they would be open to a takeover of the club or an injection of funds in exchange for a partial stake.
April 28 has been set as the deadline for third – and final – offers from interested parties.
As we revealed, Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani launched a bid for a full takeover. He is rivalled by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group.
There are, however, multiple other parties who have offered investment in exchange for a stake in the Premier League giants.
Joel and Avram Glazer could still remain in charge of Manchester United
British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe (left) and Qatari Sheikh Jassim (right) are two front-runners to buy United and have already submitted two bids to take ownership of the club
Minority investment would allow the Glazers to upgrade Old Trafford and remain in control
Such offers would allow the Glazers, who are deeply unpopular among large sections of United’s fanbase, to redevelop Old Trafford or build a new stadium and upgrade the club’s training ground while remaining in control.
That scenario would be likely to trigger outrage among a support which has consistently chanted for the Americans, who plunged United into debt following their own leveraged takeover in 2005, to sell the club.
Sources close to the process, which is being overseen by US merchant bank Raine Group, believe that a full sale is the most probable conclusion.
The prospect of United becoming a toxic brand should the owners choose not to sell is likely to be one factor under consideration.
On Wednesday those involved have the opportunity to ask final questions ahead of submitting their final offers. Bids for full control are expected to be submitted close to the April 28 cut off.
Among those offering funds for a partial stake are Americans Carlyle Group and Elliott Investment Management.
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