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Manchester United’s owners said Tuesday they are ready to sell the club, which could bring down the curtain on 17 difficult years under the Glazers.
In a boisterous day for the England giants, it was revealed earlier that superstar Cristiano Ronaldo had left the club “with immediate effect”.
Weeks of turmoil seemed to be over when United announced that Ronaldo’s contract had expired by mutual agreement to end his second spell at Old Trafford.
This dramatic announcement was overshadowed just hours later by the news that the US-based Glazer family may be on their way out.
“The board will consider all strategic alternatives, including new investment in the club, sale or other transactions involving the company,” United said in a statement.
The Glazers have been unpopular with their supporters since the £790m ($934m) takeover in 2005 dumped huge debt burdens on the club.
Frustration with the Americans has only grown in the nine years of poor results on the pitch since Alex Ferguson retired as coach in 2013.
The Red Devils have not won the Premier League title since Ferguson’s last season in 2012/13 and have failed to win a title since 2017.
United currently ranks fifth in the Premier League, 11 points behind leaders Arsenal.
Avram and Joel Glazer, the club’s co-chairmen and chief executives, added: “We will evaluate all options to ensure we provide the best service to our fans and that Manchester United maximizes the significant growth opportunities available to the club today and in the future.”
The statement also acknowledged the need to invest in stadium redevelopment.
Old Trafford remains the club’s largest stadium in England with a capacity of 74,000 but has not undergone a major modernization since 2006.
Erik ten Hag is the fifth permanent manager at Old Trafford in the past nine years and his first months in charge have been dominated by controversy over Ronaldo’s place in the team.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been used sparingly by the former Premier League boss Ajax.
Ronaldo responded with an explosive interview on TalkTV last week in which he said he felt “betrayed” by the club and had no respect for Ten Hag.
The Portugal captain, who is currently competing in his fifth World Cup, has also taken aim at the Glazers, claiming they “don’t care about the club”.
“Cristiano Ronaldo will leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect,” United said in an earlier statement.
“The club thanks him for his tremendous contribution in two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family well for the future.”
News of the Glazer family’s investment call comes just weeks after Liverpool’s American owners, Fenway Sports Group, announced they were ready to sell.
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