Rio Ferdinand has urged the Glazers to be more transparent with fans if they don't end up selling Manchester United.
The takeover process is said to be heading towards a third stage of bidding although reports this week claimed that the current owners may ultimately opt to stay on in order to get an even greater return on their investment in future years.
The Glazers bought United for £790m in 2005 and are looking for around £6bn to sell the club 18 years on. It’s thought that the bids from Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe will once again fall below this asking price.
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The idea that the Glazers could stay at Old Trafford has horrified large swathes of fans and Ferdinand detailed why they should think twice before swiping away the offers currently on the table.
Asked on the Stretford Paddock podcast about the reaction that would ensue should the Glazers stay, the ex-United defender said: “I don’t think the fan base will be happy. Too much has gone on and been let out, it’s too close to a new beginning that a lot of the fans have wanted, to then go back again.
“If you’re getting offered £4-6billion - that’s a big mark up on your investment at the beginning. Fans are saying 'you’re not wanted here by the majority of the fanbase, you’re getting a massive lump on your way out. Shake our hands and ride off into the sunset'.”
Upon the collapse of the attempted Super League breakaway in 2021, Joel Glazer released an apology statement, which included: "We also realise that we need to better communicate with you, our fans, because you will always be at the heart of the club.”
Ferdinand called on the Glazers to follow up on that promise and be more open with supporters if they ultimately do decide to stay. He added: "I've always said this, if they communicated with the fan base much better, much more clearer, open and transparent.
“They might have a better reaction from the fans. Or at least a bit of back and forth with the fans just to humanise the situation because they're so far removed from the fan base and the fans understanding or knowing where they are with things.
"I would urge them to speak to the fans, man. Or at least put a face to these words."
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