There are stories which cannot be taken seriously while there are others which we desperately WANT to believe. This is one of them. Reports have been circulating for weeks that the Glazers were on the verge of accepting an offer from Qatar Holdings to take Manchester United off their hands. One denial after another was issued by club representatives but the story is still well and truly alive. While the Daily Express is reporting that a “well placed source” said that “the deal is pretty much done and they are only haggling over details” United is still disputing the claims.
On Thursday, Phil Townsend, United’s director of communications denied that any offers had been made. “There has been no approach to buy Manchester United and no approach would be welcome” he said. Is that the end of the matter then? Hardly! Investors who are negotiating the sale of their biggest asset are not going to admit to it. Denials are part and parcel of the chess game which is being played out.
According to the Express, the Glazers are in the midst of finalising the sale to Qatar Holdings, the investment branch of Qatar’s Royal Family. The US Glazer family purchased the club in May 2005 for £790 million and could set a world record by selling it for £1.6 billion.
If the details of the sale are accurate, there are reports that Saturday’s Manchester derby could be the last match under the Glazers. The family has been largely unpopular and widely criticised during its six year regime due to excessive debts that have put the club’s future at risk and caused ticket prices to soar.
After winning the rights to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar Holdings is looking to capitalise on the rising popularity of football in its country by purchasing one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Are we finally seeing the beginning of the end for the Glazers?
