The Glazer families, owners of Manchester United, are reportedly split on the sale of the club. With the current bids not meeting their £6bn valuation, Avram Glazer and his brother Joel are reluctant to let go of the club.
The United board has been exploring strategic alternatives with investment bank Raine Group since mid-November, and the Glazers had set a soft deadline for proposals on February 17.
However, only two public bidders, Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have made offers thus far, falling short of the £6bn asking price.
It has led to speculation that the Glazers could be reluctant to part with the club. Sources that have worked with the owners indicate that Avram Glazer and his brother Joel are not eager to sell the club, while their siblings may be more open to the idea.
Avram’s presence at Wembley as Manchester United lifted the first trophy of the Erik ten Hag era has further fuelled speculation that the Glazers could be unwilling to part with the club. However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has previously stated that the Glazers “do not want to sell. With the current bids not meeting the asking price, the Glazers may be hoping for more interest to be registered with The Raine Group.
In contrast, John W Henry has announced that Fenway Sports Group would retain control of Liverpool, and only investment is currently being considered. It could explain why the Glazers may be reluctant to part with Manchester United.
With the club’s stature, pull around the globe, and potential for future growth revenue, the Glazers could feel that their club has been underestimated. United fans had made their stance clear on the Glazers, with “We want Glazers out” the most consistent chant at Wembley when the club lifted the Carabao Cup. Asked about Avram’s attendance at the final, manager Erik Ten Hag said:
“He was really happy for the club, as our owner. He wanted to be part of it. He was in the dressing room, it was good he was here. It showed his intentions.”
It remains to be seen if the Glazers intend to keep hold of the club or to put it up for sale. With the current bids not meeting the asking price, it appears that the Glazers are unwilling to part with Manchester United.
It could be that they are waiting for more interest to be registered to The Raine Group or that they may be hoping to increase their club valuation. Either way, it appears that the Glazers are split on the sale of Manchester United.