Avram Glazer gives seven-word reply to question on Man Utd takeover

Manchester United owner Avram Glazer gave a telling seven-word response when asked if he could provide an update on the protracted takeover saga ahead of their pre-season victory over Arsenal in the States.

The American billionaire family have remained tight-lipped on the situation around the club’s future despite first putting United up for sale back in November. Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim is fronting an offer in excess of £5billion to purchase the club while INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has also lodged a bid for around 60 per cent, which would value them around the same price.

However, despite the last offers going in months ago, there has been barely any updates with negotiations seemingly stalling. There has been no dialogue with fans and there are now growing fears that the Americans could U-turn and decide to keep hold of the club.

Avram, who is the majority shareholder along with brother Joel, refused to clarify the situation when asked by the Athletic ahead of United’s pre-season clash with Arsenal at the MetLife Stadium. “I’m just here to enjoy the game,” Avram said, leaving fans in the dark once again.

Several reports have claimed that the Glazer siblings are in two minds about whether to sell United, with sections of the family disagreeing with one another. However, Avram declined to answer if that was the case when probed again at the MetLife Stadium.

United fans are desperate for the Glazers to leave the club and have held protests for years in a bid to remove them. They have even spread to the US now with angry fans being filmed chanting ‘Glazers out’ ahead of Saturday night’s match.

Erik ten Hag’s men went on to win the match 2-0 thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho. The United boss is set to meet the club’s owners after requesting a sit-down during their US tour.

It is unclear what Ten Hag will bring up in the meeting but the United manager will likely discuss the takeover situation and transfer funds with the Glazers, as he is pushing for more investment in his squad.

Speaking about the takeover this week, Ten Hag said: “That’s also a club decision. I’m more often in contact with them so this is a good opportunity to share ideas and we can talk informally. It is obvious I can give advice and recommendations but the decision is on the club.”

United, meanwhile, have already spent £100m on Andre Onana and Mason Mount but Ten Hag still wants to add a striker, midfielder and another goalkeeper to his ranks. It’s understood that United will have to offload players first before they can splash out with the likes of Anthony Elanga, Dean Henderson and Fred expected to leave in the coming days and weeks.