The Glazers are reportedly looking to sell their stake in Manchester United after 20 years, with some members of the family holding ‘internal discussions’ about the prospect of a sale
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been Manchester United co-owner since 2024 (Image: PA)
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already stated he maintains a professional working relationship with the Glazers, following fresh reports suggesting some family members are considering selling their stake in the club after two decades. Financial publication Bloomberg reports that several family members have held ‘internal discussions’ about potentially offloading their holdings, and are trying to convince others to do the same.
It’s believed that the talks are occurring amongst specific individual members rather than the family collectively, with some resistant to a sale. That could potentially complicate any transaction, unless they have a change of mind. Prospective purchasers would likely encounter a substantial price tag if they want to acquire a stake in United.
The development will undoubtedly affect minority owner Ratcliffe, who purchased a 27.7 per cent stake in the club for a £1.25 billion sum in February 2024, assuming control of the club’s football operations. It was reported last October that the Glazers would only consider offers exceeding £5 billion for their stake in the club.
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The valuation is believed to take into account what United could be valued at if the club moves forward with proposals to construct a new 100,000-seater stadium. Currently, Avram and Joel Glazer serve as executive co-chairmen at United, while Kevin Glazer, Bryan Glazer, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz and Edward Glazer are all listed as directors on the board.
Minority owner Ratcliffe has previously shared his views on the Glazers, telling the Times in 2025: “To be fair to the Glazers, they’re really good on the commercial side. The people who advise me say the fans don’t want to hear it. So I’ve got to be cautious. I get a lot of criticism if I support the Glazers, but the fact is they’re really decent people.
“They’re East Coast, you know – that old East Coast America, they’re very polite, they’re very civilized, they’re the nicest people on the planet. There isn’t a bad bone in Joel Glazer’s body. Part of the problem is there isn’t a bad bone in his body.
“We have a very professional partnership with the Glazer family. They’re really honest and straightforward, not what you expect when you read about them in the press. And they’re both [Avram and Joel – the most involved in the club] passionate about Manchester United.
“I like them as people – to be honest, they could have given us a bloody hard time, couldn’t they, after we cocked up with Dan Ashworth and Erik ten Hag? Could have, but didn’t.”
The Glazers have been Manchester United’s majority owners since 2005(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Despite his positive assessment of the Glazers, Ratcliffe was compelled to issue an apology to the majority owners following widespread condemnation of remarks in which he claimed immigrants had “colonised” the UK.
The backlash was significant, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer demanding the billionaire apologise – which he subsequently did. The Glazers harboured significant concerns about the potential damage Ratcliffe’s inflammatory remarks could inflict on United’s relationships with sponsors and commercial partners moving forward.
There are also worries about what his statements might mean for United’s plans to construct a new stadium.
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham condemned Ratcliffe’s comments as “inaccurate, insulting and inflammatory”. Burnham has collaborated closely with Ratcliffe and United on proposals to either redevelop Old Trafford or build a new £1billion ground.
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The Glazers are keen for the project to proceed, as it would substantially increase United’s overall valuation.
In a statement, Ratcliffe apologised and said: “I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe, but it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth.
“My comments were made while answering questions about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where I was discussing the importance of economic growth, jobs, skills and manufacturing in the UK.
“My intention was to stress that governments must manage migration alongside investment in skills, industry and jobs so that long-term prosperity is shared by everyone. It is critical that we maintain an open debate on the challenges facing the UK.”
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