The blockbuster sale of Manchester United is closing in on its final stages as bidders battle out for the ownership of the club. The fans remain the heart of this club, but what does the potential takeover mean to them?
The club was officially put up for sale in November 2022, after the Glazers released a statement revealing that they were seeking new investments, not excluding a full sale.
At the forefront of the bidding, Sir Jim Ratcliffe of Ineos and Sheikh Jassim of the Nine-Two Foundation have gone head-to-head as the two most likely new owners.
Both prospective owners have gone through three rounds of bidding at the time of writing, with each group tabling improved offers each round, in an attempt to steer clear of the other.
Manchester United was taken over by the Glazer family in 2005 for £790 million. In those 18 years, United fans have fiercely protested against their ownership.
Some fans even founded a new club, FC United of Manchester, in protest.
Before a match against rivals Liverpool, fans flooded Old Trafford in protest against the Glazers, forcing the game to be postponed.
This is just one example of how much a takeover would mean to the fans of Manchester United.
Gaz Drinkwater, BBC Radio Manchester’s match day reporter for Manchester United, emphasised the importance of a takeover.
He said: “The fans are desperate for the Glazers to leave. They’ve seen rivals’ owners invest heavily in the infrastructure and development of the squads, whereas at Manchester United, it’s clear the money is been taken out in dividends by the owners.
“With the money Manchester United make through their own commercial gains, and with owners who were happy to let Manchester United spend that money without taking too much out of the club for themselves, Manchester United could become a real European powerhouse.”
A takeover of the club could not only benefit the club, but the local area could see a huge improvement too.
Drinkwater said: “Fans of Manchester City have seen the investments in their team have a massive positive impact on the local area in East Manchester. Manchester United fans would hope the same for Old Trafford and Stretford.”
Manchester United’s home ground, Old Trafford, has seen no significant improvement since 2006. Between then and now, the ground has only suffered, with a roof prone to leaking under heavy rain.
Jamie Ward is the chief editor of the largest Manchester United fan channel, The United Stand.
He believes: “In the eyes of the fans, the takeover is the single most important piece of business that needs to happen this summer.
“United fans will never forgive them for their 18-year stewardship and the way they have treated the club as a cash cow. The next few weeks are some of the most important in the club’s recent history.
“It’s worrying that the Glazers are now hanging on and looking to stay involved with the club in some capacity, but they will be clever enough to know that there will be huge backlash should they remain — even if it is as a minority shareholder.”
Manchester United have not yet been sold. However, with a sale on the horizon, the club could be en route for a future full of success, reminiscent of their past.
Part of University assignment and not published to The United Stand.
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