Manchester United’s ownership saga has taken another twist after the club’s co-owners delivered a new — though cautious — response to fresh rumours about a potential full sale.
Speculation surged earlier this week when Saudi sports official Turki Alalshikh claimed on social media that United were in “an advanced stage” of talks with a new investor. The post quickly set off a frenzy among fans and media outlets, before Alalshikh later clarified that he was not involved and that the investor in question was not from Saudi Arabia.
According to multiple British reports, the interested party is believed to be a UAE-based consortium exploring a complete takeover of Manchester United — a deal that could value the club at over £5 billion, one of the largest in football history. Sources suggest the group has even reached out to former United legends to act as public ambassadors in a bid to win over supporters and add credibility to their proposal.
However, the Glazer family, who remain majority owners after selling a minority stake to Sir Jim Ratcliffe last year, have responded with measured restraint. Club insiders, cited by national newspapers, described the latest claims as “speculative” and confirmed that no formal negotiations are currently underway. The Glazers’ stance indicates they are keeping strategic options open while stopping short of committing to a full sale.
Among fans, reactions remain mixed. Some welcome the prospect of new ownership and fresh investment, while others remain wary of consortium-led deals lacking transparency and assurances on governance and fan engagement.
If the UAE consortium does move forward with a formal bid, it would come amid heightened investor interest in Premier League clubs and a season of heavy transfer spending at Old Trafford.
For now, Manchester United’s future remains uncertain — a swirl of online hints, swift clarifications, and cautious corporate language marking yet another tense chapter in the club’s long-running ownership saga.
Source: The Sun (UK)