The Glazer family have decided to pull Manchester United from the market, after failing to secure offers that meet their valuation of the club. As reported by the Daily Mail, the American owners are postponing any potential sale until at least 2025, in hopes that a more favourable financial and commercial landscape will entice a greater number of prospective buyers.
Reportedly, the factors encouraging the delay include expected increases in TV rights revenue, the FIFA Club World Cup’s slated expansion to 32 teams, and the upcoming 2026 World Cup in the USA, which could elevate interest among American billionaires.
This development comes as a significant disappointment to United fans who were optimistic that ownership of the club might change hands. Earlier in the year, Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim Bin Al Thani and British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe had both submitted bids in the region of £5 billion to acquire the club outright. Despite these offers, there has been a conspicuous silence from the Glazers, leading to rising doubts about their intention to sell.
There has been speculation that the Glazers might have been considering the sale of a minority stake in the club rather than giving up full control. This latest twist seems to confirm that a transaction of any nature could be off the table for at least a couple of years, much to the disappointment of former player David Beckham. Earlier this year, Beckham voiced his desire to see a sale go through, stating, “It hasn’t been the greatest of times for Manchester United, on the field or off the field.”
Fans of the club have long been dissatisfied with the Glazer ownership, blaming them for the lack of recent triumphs and necessary investments in the club’s infrastructure. According to a well-placed source close to the American family, the Glazers remain impervious to this negative sentiment. “The Glazers are thick-skinned and won’t be influenced by any negative fan reactions,” stated the source.
Last November, the Glazer family had indicated a willingness to entertain offers for either complete or partial ownership of the club. However, only two serious bids materialised; one from Sheikh Jassim, aiming for full control, and another from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, willing to leave the Glazers with a minority stake. Sources close to these bidders have expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the American owners.
The rationale behind the decision to keep United off the selling block, as explained by insiders, is rooted in the Glazers’ hope that the landscape in 2025 will be more conducive to a lucrative sale. They believe future developments such as growth in TV rights and the international influence of the 2026 World Cup will boost the club’s valuation, potentially to between £7 billion and £10 billion.
Meanwhile, the Glazers continue to stand by manager Erik ten Hag, with aspirations that he will bring major titles to Old Trafford in the next few seasons, thereby raising the club’s market value. Despite ongoing protests and dissatisfaction among the fanbase, it appears the American owners are unperturbed and focused on their long-term financial goals.
