Manchester United prepares for potential sale; Ronaldo exits

Manchester United’s owners, the Glazer family, are currently exploring “strategic alternatives,” including a potential sale of the soccer club after a controversial 17-year ownership.

The American owners of the English Premier League soccer club are considering options “including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the company.” 

A controversial era
Fans were dissatisfied with the Glazer family ownership after they bought The Red Devils for $939.07 million in 2005. Over the years, the owners faced intense criticism for piling debts onto the club. 

Fans were also disappointed that the club hadn’t won any trophy in five years. Manchester United’s last victory was in the Europa League and League Cup in 2017.

Ronaldo leaves
The soccer club confirmed Tuesday that its star player, Cristiano Ronaldo, left the team with “immediate effect,” after a mutual agreement.

The sale
Manchester United, valued at about $2.5 billion as of Tuesday, saw shares rise 17% soon after the sale process was announced. Owners would look for a higher price, considering rival club Chelsea’s deal was worth around $5.2 billion this year.