Glazer family announce plans to explore sale of Manchester United

The Glazers have owned the Premier League giants for the last 17 years.

Manchester United fans protest against the Glazer family.

The Glazer family have announced plans to identify “strategic alternatives” that could lead to a potential sale of Manchester United after 17 years of ownership.

In a statement, the club said the process will consider a number of options “including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the company”.

The unpopular American owners – who have faced significant fan opposition during their tenure – took over at United with a £790million leveraged buy-out in 2005.

The United statement read: “Manchester United… announces today that the company’s board of directors (the ‘board’) is commencing a process to explore strategic alternatives for the club.

“The process is designed to enhance the club’s future growth, with the ultimate goal of positioning the club to capitalise on opportunities both on the pitch and commercially.

“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.

“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.”

Executive co-chairmen and directors Avram and Joel Glazer said: “The strength of Manchester United rests on the passion and loyalty of our global community of 1.1 billion fans and followers.

“As we seek to continue building on the club’s history of success, the board has authorised a thorough evaluation of strategic alternatives.

“We will evaluate all options to ensure that we best serve our fans and that Manchester United maximises 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.”