Manchester United could be available for a figure approaching £4billion after the collapse of the European Super League.
The Glazer family, who have owned the club since their controversial majority purchase in 2005, believe that would have been a fair valuation if the breakaway competition had gone ahead.
Co-chairman Joel and owner Avram have otherwise refused to even contemplate a sale of the club in the past decade and a half, but the Daily Mirror suggest that could change if the right offer comes in.
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They feel a valuation of £4bn is ‘justified’ by the ‘unique heritage and commercial pulling power’ of Manchester United, whose ‘global appeal with a worldwide fan-base’ has proven incredibly lucrative in terms of sponsorship deals.
The Glazers played a key role in the formation of the ill-fated European Super League as they ‘hoped the spin-off would be a significant increase in United’s value’.
Some even suggested it was part of ‘an exit strategy’ for them to eventually sell the club at its most profitable point but the collapse of the league against the backdrop of fan protest has scuppered any such plans.
While Avram has rarely held much of a public profile in his position as owner, brother Joel took the rare step of apologising to supporters for the situation.
“Over the past few days, we have all witnessed the great passion which football generates, and the deep loyalty our fans have for this great club,” he said this past week.
“You made very clear your opposition to the European Super League, and we have listened. We got it wrong, and we want to show that we can put things right.
“Although the wounds are raw and I understand that it will take time for the scars to heal, I am personally committed to rebuilding trust with our fans and learning from the message you delivered with such conviction.
“We continue to believe that European football needs to become more sustainable throughout the pyramid for the long-term. However, we fully accept that the Super League was not the right way to go about it.
“In seeking to create a more stable foundation for the game, we failed to show enough respect for its deep-rooted traditions – promotion, relegation, the pyramid – and for that we are sorry.
“This is the world’s greatest football club and we apologise unreservedly for the unrest caused during these past few days.
“It is important for us to put that right.
“Manchester United has a rich heritage and we recognise our responsibility to live up to its great traditions and values.
“The pandemic has thrown up so many unique challenges and we are proud of the way Manchester United and its fans from Manchester and around the world have reacted to the enormous pressures during this period.
“We also realise that we need to better communicate with you, our fans, because you will always be at the heart of the club.
“In the background, you can be sure that we will be taking the necessary steps to rebuild relationships with other stakeholders across the game, with a view to working together on solutions to the long-term challenges facing the football pyramid.
“Right now, our priority is to continue to support all of our teams as they push for the strongest possible finish to the season.
“In closing, I would like to recognise that it is your support which makes this club so great, and we thank you for that.”
Fans continued to air their displeasure at the weekend, staging a protest outside Old Trafford.
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