Manchester United owners to consider selling the club
The Glazer family said "we will evaluate all options to ensure that we best serve our fans"
Last updated 22nd Nov 2022
The American owners of Manchester United are to explore investment options which could include a full or partial sale of the club.
The Glazer family purchased the Old Trafford-based Premier League side for £790 million in 2005.
There've been a number of protests in recent months and years in opposition to how the club is run by the owners - including in May 2021 which led to a home game between United and Liverpool being postponed.
A statement on United's website said the process is designed to "enhance the club's future growth, with the ultimate goal of positioning the club to capitalize on opportunities both on the pitch and commercially".
Executive Co-Chairmen 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 maximizes 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.”
The history of Manchester United
Manchester United, nicked named the "Red Devils" are one of the most successful teams in English Football.
Founded in 1878, United originally went by the name of Newton Heath LYR Football Club. Their 1892/93 team is seen pictured. They changed their name to Manchester United in 1902.
Manchester United moved from Newton Heath to Old Trafford in 1910 where they have continued to play. The stadium has a capacity of 74,140 seats.
Manchester United have won more trophies than any other English football club.
They have won: 20 First Division league titles, 2 Second Division league titles, 12 FA Cups, 5 EFL Cups, 21 FA Community Shields, 3 Champions Leagues, 1 European Cup Winners' Cup, 1 Europa League, 1 Intercontinental Cup and 1 FIFA Club World Cup.
On 6 February 1958 23 people died in an airplane crash following a a European Cup quarter-final victory against Red Star Belgrade. The plane that was carrying the Manchester United players, journalists and officials crashed while attempting to take off after refuelling in Munich, Germany.
The 8 players that died were Geoff Bent, Roger Byrne, Eddie Colman, Duncan Edwards, Mark Jones, David Pegg, Tommy Taylor and Billy Whelan
In 1968, 10 years after the Munich air disaster, Manchester United became the first English team to win the European Cup after beating Benfica 4–1 in the final.
Sir Alex Ferguson managed Manchester United for 26 years, from 1986 to 2013. During his reign he won 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and two UEFA Champions League titles.
Sir Alex has won more trophies than any other manager in the history of football and is the third longest serving football manager in history.
Wayne Rooney is the clubs top goal scorer, landing 253 goals in his 559 appearances.
Ryan Giggs appeared for the Red Devils more times than any other player. He made 963 appearances and scored 163 goals.
Paul Pogba is the clubs record transfer, returning to Manchester United from Juventus in 2016 for a then-world record transfer fee of £89.3 million (€105 million).
In 2005, American business man Malcom Glazer acquired ownership of United in a £790m takeover by gradually buying out United shareholders between 2003 and 2005. Much of the takeover money was borrowed by the Glazers; the debts were transferred to the club. These debts are still owed to this day. At the end of 2019, the club had a net debt of nearly £400 million.
In 2006, Malcom Glazer's son Joel and Avram took over the day-to-day running of the club after their father suffered from a stroke. The Glazer's family has continued to control the club past Malcom's death in 2014, with each six of the siblings sharing the 90% stake the Glazers have on United.