Since 2005, the Glazer family has owned Manchester United. However, in November of 2022, a statement released by the club confirmed that the Glazer family intend to explore “strategic alternatives”, including the possibility of a sale. The sale will come as no surprise to many fans who have had to endure several difficult years following Manchester United.
The situation became so dire in recent seasons that fans took to protesting, voicing their anger at the Glazers, and calling for the family to sell the club. The decline of the club has occurred since the departure of manager Sir Alex Fergusson. Even under prestigious managers such as José Mourinho and Louis van Gaal, the club has been unable to win the Premier League since the 2012-2013 season.
Qatari investors set to take over?
Unsurprisingly, the club is reportedly worth between £5bn and £9bn. The potential sale has stirred interest worldwide, with British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who was also associated with the Chelsea takeover in March of 2022, registering his appeal to purchase the club in January.
However, interest from the Middle East has caught the ears of the Glazers. According to reports, the Utd owners entered talks with a Qatari group earlier this week who valued the club at around £4bn, a fair mark off the £6bn asking price set by the Glazers. Nonetheless, the Glazers may agree to sell a minority stake in the club, in which case they would share ownership with the new investors but retain control. However, there are activists calling the move controversial due to Quatar’s poor Human Rights record.
Trouble in paradise?
Readers knowledgeable in the international football arena will have noticed that Paris-Saint Germain (PSG) is owned by a Qatari group known as the Qatar Sports Investments group. The ownership of PSG could have been a problem as UEFA Champions League rules state that no two clubs competing in the tournament can be owned or controlled by the same group.
Luckily for United, the group looking to invest in the club is a private group of investors and not the same outfit that owns PSG, meaning there is no issue in the two clubs meeting in a potential European clash.
History Repeating itself?
Fifteen years ago, a similar takeover materialised in Manchester. In 2008, the Abu Dhabi United Group agreed to take over Manchester City. Since then, Man City has won six Premier League titles.
In 2021, Newcastle was also taken over by the Saudi Public Investment fund. They finished that season in 15th place. Just one year later, they sit up in 4th, giving the conventional “big six”, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Liverpool, a run for their money. There is then no doubt that United can expect success from the potential takeover. You can assume the same question to be at the forefront of every United fan’s mind; is their luck about to change?
Why now, and why the Premier League?
In recent years, Manchester United has yet to perform the way it did under the reign of Sir Alex Ferguson. Under the Scottish manager, United won more than 30 trophies. Since his departure at the end of the 2012/13 season, four managers have tried and failed to bring United back to the pedal stool of success.
The Premier League is arguably one of the most significant leagues in the world, averaging an annual viewership of 4.7 billion. The potential owners of Manchester United have the opportunity to bring the sleeping giant back to the forefront of global viewership and back on top of both English and European football. The takeover also has the potential for a massive return on investment for the Qatari backers. In the 2021/22 season, teams got a share of the prize pool from broadcast rights and commercial income. The pool was reported to be worth £2.5bn, with league winners Man City receiving £161.7 million in prize money.
Onwards and Upwards for Manchester United?
With new manager Erik Ten Hag, United are having a solid season. Currently sitting in third, United are only two points behind City in second, and seven points separate them and Arsenal, who are top of the table. United look set for a European Finish. With the possibility of the takeover and substantial financial backing on the horizon, the future certainly looks bright for Erik Ten Hag and the Red Devils after a dreary period for the club.