Manchester United not only find themselves in a sporting crisis, close to last place in the Premier League, but also an economic crisis with an effective debt of £1.4 billion. At an investor conference in Frankfurt, Avram Glazer explained that there was no correlation between what happens on the pitch and the value of the company.
There have been rumours that the family is now ready to sell the club, having sucked out £1.5 billion in dividends and swop deals and taken another £1.3 billion of the money for Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s money. The asking price was £6 billion!
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That is clearly not sufficient payout!
The Glazers have decided: Not to sell Manchester United until the new stadium is completed
Sources close to Manchester United have told TEAMtalk that the Glazer family is unlikely to sell their controlling stake until the club’s new stadium is completed.
Joel and Avram Glazer, who still own the majority, believe that a new stadium would lift the club’s total value to £8-10 billion – and maximise the return on their long-term investment. “In other words, they won’t be done milking Manchester United for another few years.
The family’s mindset is abhorrent! – Achievements on the pitch as important as commercial success. ( taste a little of the Manchester United fans)
The Glazer family is said to prioritise the business potential of the stadium project – increased matchday revenues, hospitality and surrounding developments – over immediate sporting success.
With plans for a new home ground under development, it is understood that they are willing to wait rather than accept a lower valuation in today’s market. They spend most of their time in the United States and are never close to the problems at United – managing to keep the effort while ignoring the noise.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s position is in contrast
The position of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS is seen as very different. Ratcliffe, whose minority stake has given INEOS day-to-day control of football operations, is described by sources as still motivated to stay at the club and deliver success on the pitch.
Despite Ratcliffe’s commitment to United, sources suggest he could be persuaded to sell his shares if he receives a sufficiently attractive offer – especially if broader ownership talks gain momentum.
Interest in this minority stake will never go away. United and England legend David Beckham is eager to bet on the shares as part of an American consortium.
At the same time, significant appetite from the Middle East still exists, with several parties believed to have maintained interest in potential bids. Sources say that if the door opens for a deal, they expect Qatar to be back at the table.
Unfortunately for Sir Jim Ratcliffe, he signed a deal where he naively believed the Glazer family also wanted the best for the club.
A longer era of Glazer ownership
For supporters, this means an extended period with the Glazer family as majority owners, with the new stadium being the key factor in both the timing and size of a future sale.
It may not be the news fans want to hear – but the reality is that United is an investment and a business for the American owners, not a football club loved by millions of fans.
