When did the Glazers buy Man Utd? How much the Glazers paid for the Reds - 'sale' statement analysed

Manchester United’s owners, the Glazer family, are considering selling the club after 17 years in charge. The Red Devils released a statement on Tuesday evening, with the American bosses looking to ‘explore strategic alternatives’ in the foreseeable future.

The Glazer family have faced years of protest from United fans regarding their ownership. According to the Swiss Ramble, the Red Devils are the only Premier League team to pay dividends to their shareholders, with £166m being paid out since 2016.

A statement from the board of directors at the club said: “Manchester United plc, one of the most successful and historic sports clubs in the world, announces today that the Company’s Board of Directors is commencing a process to explore strategic alternatives for the club.

“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.

“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.”

The statement comes the same day United announced Cristiano Ronaldo would leave the club with immediate effect. The 37-year-old is regarded as a club legend, but came under fire following an interview with Piers Morgan, in which he criticised his former employer.

When did the Glazer family buy United?

The Glazer family took control of the Red Devils in 2005 after Malcolm Glazer bought the majority share of the club for £790m. The American owned 90 percent of United before his death in 2014, with his stake being split between his six children, including current Co-chairman Joel and Avram Glazer.

The takeover was protested by Red Devils supporters due to financial concerns surrounding the Glazers. Fans who opposed the American’s ownership created a new football club called FC United of Manchester in 2005 - they currently play in the Northern Premier League - the seventh-tier of English football.

How likely are the Glazers to sell United?

According to Sky Sports, United are valued at £5bn, so any interested parties would need to have a substantial net worth to afford the club and continue to run it. It’s likely that the Glazers would sell the Red Devils if this valuation is met, especially with them failing to win a Premier League title since Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013.

However, as outlined in the above statement, the Americans could opt to sell part of their shares in the club, as opposed to a full sale. If this was the case, then United fans wouldn’t be happy as the majority of their supporters would rather the Glazers leave Old Trafford completely.

Whatever the outcome, it’s expected a sale, whether partial or full, would take some time, and could have a potential knock-on effect on Erik ten Hag’s plans during the January transfer window. The Red Devils boss will be looking to strengthen his squad ahead of the second half of the season.