Manchester United 's Swiss Alp lounge at the World Economic Forum is for partners rather than potential investors, the club insists.
This is despite owner Avram Glazer flying out to Davos for the event, amid reports of a potential sale. The Glazer family have owned United since 2005, but recent statements suggest they are open to significant investment, if not an outright sale of the club.
Parties from the United States, the Middle East and Asia are understood to be lining up bids for United, who sit fourth in the Premier League table. The Glazers are believed to want up to £8m for the club, more than Chelsea changed hands for in 2022, and it has been suggested that one or more of the bidders for the London club could be in the mix.
As reported by Reuters, a club spokesman described the lounge as "definitely not" set up as a means to attract potential buyers. Instead, current partners and clients are expected to be able to make use of the facilities.
Reuters also suggests Avram Glazer is expected to arrive later in the week. The co-chairman, 62, is said to be a 'regular' at Davos, while club CEO Richard Arnold is also due in to co-host an event on Tuesday with treble winning goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel.
" Manchester United is proud to be the first sports team to partner with the World Economic Forum," a statement from United read. "Our global community of 1.1 billion fans and followers provide us with powerful opportunities to engage across cultural and geographical boundaries. We are in Davos to explore ways to maximise the impact of the extraordinary reach."
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Avram Glazer previously held talks with potential buyers during the World Cup, after travelling to Qatar for the tournament. Britain's richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe is among those linked with a takeover bid, despite previously playing down such suggestions, and bidders have been encouraged to formalise their interest by mid-February.
Back in November, United put out a statement concerning "strategic alternatives" being explored. "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," they said.
"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."
