Man Utd transfer news: Britain’s richest man set to make offer to buy club

Club for sale? 

This article was first published on November 22 but has since been updated with new information.

Just hours after announcing the mutual agreement to terminate Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract, Manchester United fans faced another bombshell. The Athletic reported on Tuesday night that the club’s owners, the Glazer family, have instructed banks to handle the sale of the club. The club has hired the Raine Group, which was also in charge of handling Roman Abramovich’s sale of Chelsea, to act as the club’s financial advisor.

For sale?

Man United confirmed in a club statement that they will pursue strategic changes. Could the Glazers finally be on their way out? pic.twitter.com/0tqHz8kGqV

— Transfermarkt.co.uk (@TMuk_news) November 22, 2022

Man United have since confirmed that they have started to “explore strategic alternatives” in a club statement. “As part of this process, the board will consider all strategic alternatives, including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the company,” the statement added. “This will include an assessment of several initiatives to strengthen the club, including stadium and infrastructure redevelopment, and expansion of the club’s commercial operations on a global scale, each in the context of enhancing the long-term success of the club’s men’s, women’s and academy teams, and bringing benefits to fans and other stakeholders.”

“As we seek to continue building on the Club’s history of success, the Board has authorized a thorough evaluation of strategic alternatives,” executive co-chairmen and directors Avram Glazer and Joel Glazer said in a club statement. “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.”

Man United without a championship since 2013 – Glazer’s to receive billions?

The Glazers bought the club for £790 million in 2005, and their reign has been overshadowed by frequent fan protests. Furthermore, the English giants, who dominated the Premier League under Sir Alex Ferguson throughout the 1990s and 2000s, have been without a league title since 2013. Man United are reportedly not the only club for sale. Liverpool owners FSG are reportedly looking to generate over €4 billion from a sale. American Todd Boehly recently bought Chelsea for €2.92bn.  

New owners considered – Britain’s richest Man set to make offer 

Following on from the news that Man Utd’s current owners would be happy to sell the club, the Daily Telegraph reported on Wednesday that the richest businessman in the United Kingdom, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is planning on making an offer for the Old Trafford club. 

The owner of the petrochemical giant Ineos, Ratcliffe is a well-known fan of the Red Devils and previously made a bid to buy Chelsea in the summer, before being outbidded by the club’s new owner Boehyl. The English publication report that while Ratcliffe is wary of overpaying for Man Utd, he is very interested in taking the club off the Glazer’s hands. 

Ineos already own Ligue 1 club Nice and Swiss club Lausanne but, according to the Telegraph, would not have to sell their ownership of the club if they did buy Man Utd in the coming months. However, neither club would be allowed to play against one another in European competition under current UEFA rules. 

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