MANCHESTER UNITED could be bought by Facebook, Amazon or Dubai after being put up for sale by the Glazer family.
United’s unpopular owners have announced they are “exploring strategic alternatives for the club” in what seems like the end of their turbulent 17-year reign in charge.
According to the Daily Mail, tech giants Facebook and Amazon pose as “credible” and “serious” suitors to succeed the American billionaires.
The same goes for sovereign states, such as Dubai who have yet to follow suit as other Middle Eastern rivals.
Dubai could follow the example of Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, who took over Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle respectively.
The Glazers are prepared to sell the club outright, with a deal expected to be worth around £9billion.
That would make the Red Devils the most valuable sports team in the world, eclipsing the Dallas Cowboys who are said to be worth £7.23bn.
However, more suitors could emerge, such as Michael Knighton and Britain’s richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who previously expressed interest.
However, whoever buys the Red Devils will have to consider the vast cost of redeveloping Old Trafford, which in itself could cost more than £2bn.
A statement from the club 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 (the “Board”) is commencing a process to explore strategic alternatives for the club.
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“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.”
