CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs has said that it is his understanding that the Glazers hope for a full sale of Manchester United.
On Tuesday evening the club announced that the board of directors would be “commencing a process to explore strategic alternatives for the club” which would afford them the chance to enhance the club’s future growth.
The Glazer family have been in control of the Old Trafford outfit for 17 years but it is thought that they are now open to selling the club with a figure of £5bn said to be the figure that will get them to the negotiating table.
One option for the American owners would be for a partial sale to new investors however from what Jacobs gathers, a full sale is what they are after.
Speaking on The Done Deal Show he said:
(2:04)”My understanding is that the preference is a full sale and RAIN group, who are overseeing the sale, don’t see any problem with finding a suitor or a number, which is going to be equally as important to at least present them with options and from there, it will be up to the Glazers, but what they won’t necessarily want is to surrender a healthy minority percentage to a big name or company, and then potentially have a dynamic that gives them a little bit less control and authority.”
TIF Thoughts on Jacobs’ comments…
Will Manchester United find new owners in 2023?
Yes
No
The Manchester United Supporters Trust have urged the Glazers to ensure a swift change of ownership and this update from Jacobs will come as a welcome one.
A clean break from those at the helm who have come under increasing scrutiny in recent seasons will be just what the fans desire.
United’s game with Liverpool a couple of seasons ago after a protest from supporters that saw them break onto the Old Trafford pitch epitomised the vitriol between ownership and fanbase.
There is no denying they will be hoping that co-chairmen Joel and Avram Glazer have nothing to do with the club after a sale and this could make for exciting times once again on the red side of Manchester.
The big worry I have is who the Glasers sell to. It needs to be someone who wants United to be the best and have the best. It can’t be to an investment/Hedge/Vulture fund. These guys are only interested in making a profit on their investment and as quickly as possible. We have seen what proper owners are like with City and the team and facilities they have been given. That is now the kind of owners United need if they are ever going to be a force again.