The Old Trafford club has announced ‘a process to explore strategic alternatives’

Manchester United have announced that the Glazer family are seeking “strategic alternatives to enhance the club’s growth”, effectively putting the club up for sale.

A statement released by the Old Trafford club on Tuesday evening said that all avenues were being considered including “new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the company”.

The Raine Group, who handled the £2.5bn acquisition of Chelsea earlier this year, are acting as the club’s financial advisors during the process, while Rothschild and Co. will act for the Glazer family.

“The strength of Manchester United rests on the passion and loyalty of our global community of 1.1 billion fans and followers,” said co-chairmen Joel and Avram Glazer in a statement on Tuesday evening.

“As we seek to continue building on the club’s history of success, the board has authorized a thorough evaluation of strategic alternatives. We will evaluate all options to ensure that we best serve our fans and that Manchester United maximizes the significant growth opportunities available to the club today and in the future.

“Throughout this process we will remain fully focused on serving the best interests of our fans, shareholders, and various stakeholders.”

The Glazers’ ownership of United has proved highly controversial since their £790m leveraged takeover in 2005, which saddled the 13-time Premier League champions with debt. United’s net debt currently stands at £514m.

United’s indebtedness, interest payments and the payment of dividends to the Glazers have led fans to protest against their ownership since 2005 amid declining performances on the pitch.

The news that the family are now considering a sale comes barely two weeks after Fenway Sports Group, owners of Liverpool, are also open to new investment. Both clubs were drivers behind the failed European Super League project.

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.”

Manchester United do not want to give Cristiano Ronaldo a pay-off to leave and given the will of both player and club to part ways, it is hoped a resolution can be reached soon; it is now clear there is “close to zero chance” Ronaldo will play for the club again

Manchester United do not want to give Cristiano Ronaldo a pay-off to leave and given the will of both player and club to part ways, it is hoped a resolution can be reached soon; it is now clear there is “close to zero chance” Ronaldo will play for the club again

Cristiano Ronaldo criticised Manchester United and manager Erik ten Hag in an interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV

Manchester United are exploring ways to terminate Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract at the club following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.

Ronaldo’s interview on TalkTV – aired in two parts on Wednesday and Thursday – saw the 37-year-old criticise the club and manager Erik ten Hag, who the player says he has “no respect” for.

Ronaldo also claimed members of the United hierarchy are trying to force him out of Old Trafford and doubted him when he said he could not attend pre-season because his daughter was ill in hospital.

United said they would consider their response to Ronaldo’s comments “after the full facts have been established” and released a short statement on Friday announcing the club had “initiated appropriate steps”.

It is now clear there is “close to zero chance” Ronaldo will play for the club again.

While United have not put a time frame on the process but it is thought they want Ronaldo’s exit done “cleanly and quickly” and in as dignified a way as possible – not only to minimise distraction at Old Trafford, but also to show respect to Portugal during the World Cup.

United do not want to give Ronaldo a pay-off to leave and given the will of both player and club to part ways, it is hoped a resolution can be reached soon.

It is not an easy process given Ronaldo’s contract is one of the biggest in the history of sport.

Beatafrika Media via Sky Sports News learned this week United do not accept some of the criticisms Ronaldo made in the interview.

Ronaldo criticised the club for a lack of investment in the 13 years since he left Old Trafford. Sources have insisted United have invested in their facilities – notably the training ground, restaurant and swimming pool.

The Portugal forward was also critical of Ten Hag but sources insist Ronaldo was treated with respect by the club and the manager. In news conferences, Ten Hag always maintained Ronaldo had been given time off in pre-season to deal with family matters.

It has been confirmed to Beatafrika via Sky Sports News there was an offer from Saudi Arabia in the summer, which United would have accepted but Ronaldo did not want to make the move.

There were no other official offers for the player in the last transfer window.