No sale! BBC: Manchester United denies club in talks with new investors over sale

October 9th According to BBC reporter Simon Stone, Manchester United has denied rumors that the club is in in-depth negotiations with new investors on a sale deal.

BBC reports that Manchester United is expected to start negotiations with Saudi Arabia in the next few weeks to discuss arranging at least one friendly match in the middle of the season to make up for the financial losses caused by failing to qualify for the European War this season, although it is unclear whether Manchester United hopes to compete with a team in the Saudi league or a European giant like AC Milan.

However, the BBC also pointed out that the Glazer family does have historical connections with Saudi Arabia. In 2017, Manchester United signed a memorandum with the Saudi Sports Authority. The former stated that it would help Saudi Arabia develop the football industry as part of its 2030 vision to achieve economic diversification, and will provide professional support in business and sports to Saudi clubs, sports institutions and individuals.

Earlier, in 2008, Manchester United signed a five-year sponsorship agreement with Saudi Telecom Company and extended it for another five years in 2013. The deals sparked speculation that Saudi Arabia might acquire the Glazer family's stake in Manchester United, but United have repeatedly denied these rumors and no deal was ultimately reached.

As for whether Saudi Arabia's acquisition of Manchester United is possible, the BBC stated that it is unclear whether Saudi Arabia can pass the Premier League's test for club owners. Previous attempts to acquire the club have never advanced to the point of requiring a ruling from the Premier League. Moreover, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has already acquired Newcastle in 2021. Although the club managers are different, it seems unlikely that the Premier League will allow the same source of ultimate control to own multiple clubs.

Moreover, when Ratcliffe took over Manchester United, the deal with the Glazer family included a "forced sale clause", which means that when the Glazer family accepts an offer of more than $33 per share, Ratcliffe must sell his shares. This clause will take effect in August 2025 and last until February 2027. However, there are currently no serious problems in Ratcliffe's relationship with the Glazer family, so much so that the other party would go behind his back to discuss the sale of the club.