The sale of Premier League giants Manchester United could be completed by the end of the current season.
As reported by BBC Sport, it appears that if the club were to be sold, it's likely that a deal will be completed as soon as spring.
Manchester United sale could be completed this season https://t.co/SV7ervkFKM
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) December 1, 2022
The Glazer family purchased United in 2005 amid mass protests, fan disgruntlement and wide-scale protests.
The takeover was completed with a highly controversial £790m leveraged buyout deal, with the family spending £1bn on share dividends, loan repayment and interest charges.
Last week, the Glazers revealed that they were exploring strategic alternatives for the club amid the controversy surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo.
Club statement on a process to explore strategic options for Manchester United.#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 22, 2022
A club statement read: "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 capitalize 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.
Following this revelation, it was announced that the family had appointed the Raine Group as the Company’s exclusive financial advisor. The group has previously overseen the sale of Chelsea Football Club.
The sale of Manchester United is not a foregone conclusion, however. It is widely believed that a deal will only be concluded if the price is right.
Elsewhere, it is believed that Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr FC has made an initial £150m per season offer to Ronaldo.
It's believed that the Portuguese superstar would prefer a move to a European club but the suggestion is building that he may reconsider his options after the Qatar World Cup.
