Glazer family to sell part of Manchester United

The British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe is very close to buying 25% of the ownership of Manchester United, reports the press of the Island. It emerged yesterday that American owners the Glazers had preferred his offer, which is for a minority stake in the 20-time champions, for which he would pay between £1.4bn and £1.5bn, to that of Qatari Sheikh Jassim, who in turn had already proposed an offer for more than 5 billion in April, but for all 100% of the club.

The British billionaire has also made several successive offers to buy a stake in the club, which would allow him to take operational control, but has ultimately been inclined to reconsider his approach. This information comes in confirmation of the rumors circulated in the last few months that the Glazers prefer to find a minority investor to provide funds to be invested in the club, but at the same time to maintain their leading role at Old Trafford.

As early as yesterday afternoon there were reports in the Albion press that Sheikh Jassim had withdrawn his bid after it became clear he would not win the race. American owners the Glazer family bought Manchester United in 2005 when they paid £750m to then owner Martin Edwards. They subsequently transferred their debts on the deal and these are still being paid by the club to this day. It is for this reason and the constant refinancing that the "red devils" currently have very serious debts of over a billion pounds. This is one of the serious reasons why the Americans are looking for a new investor to bring new funds to the club.