Glazer family ready to sell stake in Manchester United

The Glazer family are ready to sell a minority stake of Manchester United after holding preliminary talks with investors, according to Bloomberg.

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The Americans have come under mounting pressure from supporters to cede control of the club, in light of the failure to significantly strengthen the squad since Erik ten Hag’s appointment.

Eight players have left the club this summer, while a 25% reduction in salaries has kicked in after United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League.

However, the club’s net spend is just £50m so far this summer, with United signing Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen and Tyrell Malacia.

Supporters protested outside Old Trafford on the opening weekend of the season, before Ten Hag’s side were beaten by Brighton.

Another protest is planned for Liverpool’s visit to Old Trafford next Monday, with some supporters planning to ’empty’ the stadium.

The protests are designed to force the Glazers to sell the club but, though the Americans are not yet ready to cede full control, Bloomberg say they are willing to sell a minority stake.

That would mean selling up to 49% of the club and with the club valued at £5bn, they could raise around £2.4bn.

The Glazer family have saddled United with current debt levels of around £500m, while they’ve taken almost £1.5bn out of the club since their takeover in 2005.

Billionaire Elon Musk tweeted early on Wednesday morning that he was buying the club but he quickly clarified the comments, claiming they were a ‘joke’.

Nevertheless, United would not be short of suitors should the Glazers decide to sell.

Chelsea attracted dozens of interested parties when the club became available this summer, with Todd Boehly and his consortium eventually buying the Blues for £4,25bn.

United are a far bigger club, with greater commercial appeal and a bigger stadium. But the club has been left behind in recent years by the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City and would require significant investment from new owners.

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