ไทย
English
中國人
Several unnamed members of the Glazer family, which holds a controlling interest in Manchester United, are reportedly weighing up the sale of a portion of their stake in the Premier League club, according to a new report.
The Glazers have been United's deeply divisive owners since the family's late patriarch Malcolm orchestrated a leveraged buyout of the club in 2005. Their tenure began with a string of trophies during the closing years of Sir Alex Ferguson's iconic managerial reign, but the largely absent figures have faced mounting criticism since the Scot's retirement in 2013.
United have failed to mount a serious Premier League title challenge over the past 13 years, let alone claim a trophy they have won more times than any other side. In November 2022, on the same day Cristiano Ronaldo departed Old Trafford for the second time, the Glazers issued an unusual statement indicating they were open to "new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the company."
Over a year later, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe was confirmed as a new minority shareholder who would oversee sporting operations. Success has remained elusive during INEOS's co-ownership, with the club's worst-ever Premier League finish in 2024–25 further overshadowed by the redundancy of 450 non-playing staff members.
Michael Carrick sparked a turnaround in form during the recently completed season—which concluded with a third-place finish, the club's best in three years—earning him the role of permanent manager. It now appears that further changes in leadership positions above the dugout may be on the horizon.
'Debate' Over Future of Glazer Ownership at Man Utd
During a period of rare positivity in United's post-Ferguson era, Bloomberg reported that certain Glazer family members were "debating" whether to sell some or all of their shares in the club. The report emphasised that no unified decision had been reached—indeed, some family members are believed to be in discussions with others to determine the best path forward.
Avram and Joel Glazer are the two most visible members of the family, making occasional appearances at matches as executive co-chairs when willing to endure the hostility directed at them from the stands. However, four other siblings also hold shares in the company, granting them a vote on significant decisions.
Collectively, Avram, Joel, Darcie, Bryan, Kevin and Edward Glazer control 67.9% of voting rights, per Manchester United. Ratcliffe's INEOS holds 28.9% of voting rights.
These discussions have coincided with the club's ambitious plans to build a new 100,000-capacity stadium, a project that will require substantial investment and is being championed publicly by Ratcliffe.
How Much Would Man Utd Cost?
As Bloomberg notes, the club's shares currently trade at around $21 on the New York Stock Exchange, placing its market valuation at approximately $3.6 billion. However, that figure falls well short of what any prospective buyer would actually need to pay, as it does not account for the premium attached to controlling club decisions. Those seeking full control must be prepared to pay significantly above market rate.
The Glazers offered a glimpse of their asking price during the drawn-out sale process in 2023, when they turned down an offer for a full takeover believed to surpass $6.7 billion.
Ratcliffe purchased his 27.7% stake in United in February 2024 for $1.6 billion.
With the club having returned to the Champions League and the effects of inflation taken into account, there is every reason to expect the Glazers would push for an even higher valuation. For reference, the most expensive sports team acquisition in history was the $10 billion purchase of the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025, with the Boston Celtics' $6.1 billion sale ranking second on that list.
Who Could Buy Glazer Stakes in Man Utd?
When the Glazers placed Manchester United on the market in 2022, the list of interested parties was extensive. Most lacked the financial firepower to generate serious consideration, yet there remain numerous well-funded entities—whether private equity firms, wealthy individuals or oligarchs—who would be eager to secure a stake in one of the world's most prominent soccer clubs.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani was the enigmatic figurehead of a consortium that came closest to beating Ratcliffe in the final stages of negotiations in 2023. The son of former Qatari emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani ultimately fell short in his bid for a complete takeover, and the Daily Mail reports there is no appetite for a renewed approach.
There is also the possibility of Ratcliffe increasing his investment, though there has been no indication he would—or could—act on the Glazers' reported position at this stage. The petrochemical tycoon saw his estimated net worth fall by roughly $2.5 billion over the past year following a turbulent period for his company INEOS, according to The Sunday Times.