After 17 years of ownership, the Glazer family have announced that they are seeking 'alternative strategies' for investment which could result in the sale of Manchester United. Fans across the globe have rejoiced at the news as the rocky relationship between themselves and the American owners might finally be coming to an end.
In a statement released on United's official website, the club stated: "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."
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Executive Co-Chairmen and Directors, Avram Glazer and Joel Glazer followed this up by saying: "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 issue is, no matter who buys United, a significant amount of damage has already been done and any new owners will have to repair it.
Off the pitch, United used to be one of the top clubs in Deloitte's money league, only behind Real Madrid in terms of football-based clubs. Now the club sits fifth behind the likes of Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Madrid, and Barcelona with both Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool hot on their tail.
The brand is not as attractive as it once was, from a massive headstart the Glazers have allowed United to fall behind and regress. And then we get to the problems on the pitch.
United have not won a trophy in over five years and they have not won the league in nearly a decade. This is unacceptable for a club that was dominating not just domestically but internationally during the 90s and 2000s.
On top of what the owners need to spend to buy the club they will also need to invest in the playing squad as well to compete. In addition, investment will be needed in the stadium as well as the club's training facilities to bring them into the modern day.
It's a sad state of affairs and something that should have never been allowed to happen, but hopefully with a new owner at the helm United can start to make the necessary moves to get back to the top.
But of course, we've still got to see if the Glazers sell in the first place – and to whom.
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