Glazers 'in no rush' to sell Man Utd as fans told takeover saga could rumble on

16 August 2023 , 08:45

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Glazers 'in no rush' to sell Man Utd as fans told takeover saga could rumble on

Former Manchester United star Teddy Sheringham has sent a warning to the club's supporters that the Glazers may not be departing any time soon.

A full 267 days after the Glazer family confirmed they were looking to sell the football club, the much-maligned American family remain very much at the helm at Old Trafford. And that's despite Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim and Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe having long submitted big money bids to takeover.

There has been ample speculation that confirmation of a deal with Sheikh Jassim was imminent, but thus far nothing has come to fruition. The prolonged saga has undoubtedly restricted Erik ten Hag in the transfer market this summer, with the manager now needing to sell players to raise funds amid FFP restrictions.

The fanbase has consistently made its feelings known on the Glazers, with the yellow and green protest scarves still prevalent at United's league games. And earlier this summer, a demonstration was held outside the official club shop, blocking people from purchasing new shirts.

And now a United legend has weighed in on the saga. Sheringham, best remembered for his cameo role in Man United glorious Champions League final win in 1999, thinks the disdain towards the owners will continue. But he doesn't envisage the family selling up as a consequence.

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"In a word, no. No, I don’t think the United fanbase will ever be turned around on the Glazer family," Sheringham told Express Sport. "The fanbase have made it quite clear how they feel about the Glazers and the Glazers have made it quite clear how they feel about Manchester United. While the money keeps rolling in, they have no reason to sell the club."

Sheikh Jassim has submitted the highest bid, thought to be in the region of £6 billion. But even that falls short of the valuation of the Glazers, with critics accusing them of deliberately ramping up the price to stave off bidders.

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Teddy Sheringham left Man Utd in 2001 and retired in 2008 (Getty Images)

"They are in a great position where they can demand the money that they want for the club – they are in no rush to sell," Sheringham continued. "It’s a bit like having a house that you don’t want to move out of, isn’t it? They will only consider a sale for silly money."

Sheringham's words reflect the fears of many supporters that the Glazer family are bluffing with their apparent intent to leave. They'd previously vowed to deliver a decision by the end of May, but have been tight-lipped ever since that unofficial deadline expired.

Whilst Ratcliffe's bid is lower, it does contain a caveat that will keep Joel and Avram Glazer on as stakeholders. The family bought United for £790m in 2005, but have since contrived to load large amounts of debt onto the club.

Fraser Watson