Manchester United owners Glazer family considering sale of stakes at club
Members of the Glazer family are discussing whether to sell some or all of their Manchester United shares, according to a report from Bloomberg. The talks could reshape control at Old Trafford after Jim Ratcliffe's investment and years of supporter anger.
The Glazer family's long association with Manchester United could be heading toward a significant turning point, with Bloomberg reporting that some members are considering selling their shares in the club. According to people familiar with the matter, discussions have taken place among various family stakeholders over the possibility of offloading part or all of their ownership. The report prompted a positive market reaction, with Manchester United's stock climbing 7 percent in after-hours trading.
While early conversations reportedly revolved around individual family members cashing out, there is now an effort to build wider support within the family for a larger-scale sale. The talks come more than two years after INEOS founder Jim Ratcliffe acquired close to a 29 percent stake in the club. Although the Glazers retained majority control, the agreement handed Ratcliffe authority over football-related operations at Old Trafford.
The Glazers and Manchester United declined to provide comments on the matter, according to Reuters.
Since completing his investment, Ratcliffe has overseen several changes aimed at improving the club's fortunes, including cost-cutting measures, job reductions and ticket-price increases.
The Glazers, meanwhile, have remained a divisive presence among supporters. Fans have frequently criticised the family for the club's debt levels, questionable spending decisions in the transfer market and a perceived lack of investment in infrastructure.
Manchester United's fortunes on the field have improved this season under Michael Carrick, with the club finishing third in the Premier League to secure a return to the UEFA Champions League after missing out on the previous two campaigns. Shares of Manchester United closed at $21.11 on Wednesday, valuing the club at approximately $3.64 billion, according to LSEG figures.
United fans will be hoping that the momentum continues for the club on and off the field and when it comes to transfers. They're close to wrapping up a deal for Brazilian midfielder Ederson and have seen Rasmus Hojlund leave the club permanently to join Napoli.
The Glazer family's long association with Manchester United could be heading toward a significant turning point, with Bloomberg reporting that some members are considering selling their shares in the club. According to people familiar with the matter, discussions have taken place among various family stakeholders over the possibility of offloading part or all of their ownership. The report prompted a positive market reaction, with Manchester United's stock climbing 7 percent in after-hours trading.
While early conversations reportedly revolved around individual family members cashing out, there is now an effort to build wider support within the family for a larger-scale sale. The talks come more than two years after INEOS founder Jim Ratcliffe acquired close to a 29 percent stake in the club. Although the Glazers retained majority control, the agreement handed Ratcliffe authority over football-related operations at Old Trafford.
The Glazers and Manchester United declined to provide comments on the matter, according to Reuters.
Since completing his investment, Ratcliffe has overseen several changes aimed at improving the club's fortunes, including cost-cutting measures, job reductions and ticket-price increases.
The Glazers, meanwhile, have remained a divisive presence among supporters. Fans have frequently criticised the family for the club's debt levels, questionable spending decisions in the transfer market and a perceived lack of investment in infrastructure.
Manchester United's fortunes on the field have improved this season under Michael Carrick, with the club finishing third in the Premier League to secure a return to the UEFA Champions League after missing out on the previous two campaigns. Shares of Manchester United closed at $21.11 on Wednesday, valuing the club at approximately $3.64 billion, according to LSEG figures.
United fans will be hoping that the momentum continues for the club on and off the field and when it comes to transfers. They're close to wrapping up a deal for Brazilian midfielder Ederson and have seen Rasmus Hojlund leave the club permanently to join Napoli.
