Manchester United's owners, the Glazer family, could be set to sell the club once and for all.

Sky News today reported that the Glazers are preparing to formally announce their intention to test the waters of potential outside investment into the club.

Said investment could include a full or partial sale, or even a strategic partnership with third parties.

The report claims that investment bankers have been brought into the fold to advise on the process and it seems the club have now released a statement.

Many United fans would be over the moon if the Glazers were to depart the club, given the sheer scale of the protests that have continued to grow year on year of late.

However, it appears that there will be no guarantee anytime soon as to whether that will actually happen.

A partial sale to new investors is also a likely outcome, with the funds then being used to invest into the infrastructure of the club, such as transforming the now outdated Old Trafford Stadium into a state-of-the-art arena.

If a full sale was to take place, the report estimates that a value of somewhere between £5bn and £9bn would need to be stumped up by any potential suitors to persuade the Glazers to relinquish control.

General view of the corner flag inside the stadium before the match

Saka & England CAN WIN IT🏆Qatar OUTRAGE Hypocrisy🤬Messi FLOPS😨 Pep NEW DEAL📝 (The Football Terrace)

Who could buy United?

An announcement would certainly put the billionaires of this world on high alert.

Jim Ratcliffe, British billionaire and CEO of Ineos, was heavily linked to purchasing the club in the summer and would be a favourite with the bookies should United officially become available.

Whilst sovereign investors backed by states - the kind of which we see heading up Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United - might also see United as a strong option.

Old Trafford Stadium view
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 12: (EDITORS NOTE: This photograph was taken using a drone) A general view of Old Trafford prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on March 12, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Man Utd release statement

The club released a statement on Tuesday evening.

"Manchester United announces process to explore strategic alternatives to enhance the club's growth.

"Manchester United plc (NYSE:MANU), one of the most successful and historic sports clubs in the world, announces today that the Company's Board of Directors 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-Chairman and Directors, Avram Glazer 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 authorized 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 focussed on serving the best interests of our fans, shareholders and various stakeholders.

"Rothschild and Co. is acting as exclusive financial advisor to the Glazer family shareholders.

"There can be no assurance that the review being undertaken will result in any transaction involving the company.

"Manchester United does not intend to make further announcements regarding the review unless and until the Board has approved a specific transaction or other course of action requiring a formal announcement."

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