Expert: Man United 'leak' is a 'reason for concern' amid surprise Glazers claim
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Expert: Man United 'Leak' is a 'Reason for Concern' Amid Surprise Glazers Claim
A recent leak about Manchester United's ownership has sparked concern among fans and pundits, especially following a surprise claim by Saudi billionaire Turki Al-Sheikh that the Glazer family is on the verge of selling the club to a new investor.
Al-Sheikh posted on social media: "The best news I heard today is that Manchester United is now in an advanced stage of completing a deal to sell to a new investor – I hope he’s better than the previous owners."[1] This statement fueled speculation of secret takeover talks, despite the club insisting it is "not aware" of any such discussions.[1]
The Glazers, who acquired United in 2005 via a leveraged buyout, saddled the club with around £600 million in debt secured against its own assets. They have since extracted millions through dividends—£90 million by 2019—while annual repayments of £60 million strained finances. Critics argue this exemplifies board failure, prioritizing family profits over fans and stakeholders.[2]
Current valuation hovers at £2 billion, but the Glazers seek over £5 billion, factoring in future growth. They remain open to partial sales to fund a proposed 100,000-seater stadium, though funding is lacking.[1] Sir Jim Ratcliffe's 27.7% stake purchase for £1.3 billion last year gives INEOS control of football operations but cannot block a full Glazer sale after 18 months.[1]
Amid Ratcliffe's unpopular cuts and stalled transfers, fan frustration mounts. A YouTube analysis accuses INEOS of being a Glazer "savior" to stabilize finances after two decades of mismanagement, keeping their "dream alive" for a lucrative exit.[3] Separate UAE consortium rumors were dismissed, with Glazers "not really rushing" to sell.[4]
Experts view the leak as a reason for concern, signaling potential upheaval at Old Trafford. While no deal is confirmed, the Glazers' history suggests they may cash out at a massive profit, leaving supporters anxious about the club's future.[1][2]
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