Manchester United FOR SALE: The Glaziers are ready to sell the Red Devils after 17 years of rule as the club confirms the unpopular owners are ready to move on

The Glazer family are considering the sale of Manchester United, the Premier League giants have confirmed.

United have released a statement confirming the US owners are “exploring strategic alternatives”, including a sale, and talkSPORT sources say the possibility of the club changing hands is “very real”.

Investment bankers have been tasked with advising on the process, which could also culminate in a partial sale or a strategic partnership with third parties.

A statement from the club read: “The process is designed to enhance the future growth of the club, with the ultimate aim of positioning the club to capitalize on opportunities both on the pitch and commercially.

“As part of this process, the board will consider all strategic alternatives, including new investment in the club, sale or other transactions involving the company.”

Avram Glazer and Joel Glazer said: “The strength of Manchester United is built on the passion and loyalty of our global community of 1.1 billion fans and followers.

“As we seek to continue to build on the Club’s history of success, the Board has authorized a thorough evaluation of strategic alternatives.

“We will assess all options to ensure that we best serve our fans and that Manchester United maximize the significant growth opportunities available to the Club now and in the future.”

The Glazers have been unpopular at Old Trafford since taking over in a £790m deal, which included £500m in debt, in 2005 and many supporters want them gone amid a steady decline in the field since 2013.

Fan discontent has reached new heights in recent years, particularly after the failed European Super League plot, and Old Trafford has seen regular protests.

United, one of the world’s most famous football clubs, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the share price on Tuesday implied a valuation of $2.15 billion – although the club’s real value is between £5 and £9 billion.

Chelsea were recently sold to US billionaire Todd Boehly in a deal worth up to £4.25billion and Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group recently confirmed they are considering the possibility of a sale.

Britain’s richest man and childhood United fan Sir Jim Ratcliffe has recently emerged as a potential buyer if the Glazers sell and sovereign states can also come into play amid Saudi investment in Newcastle and Qatari funding for Paris Saint-Germain.

News of a potential sale comes the same day Cristiano Ronaldo left United after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV.

The 37-year-old hit out at the Glazers in a 90-minute session on his recent struggles at Old Trafford.

And now United have confirmed that the Portuguese icon will leave the club by mutual consent with immediate effect.

Ronaldo revealed he had never spoken to co-chairmen Avram and Joel Glazer – or any family members – since returning to Manchester in 2021 and said they had little interest in sporting matters.

“The owners of the club, they don’t care about the club,” Ronaldo said.

“As you know Manchester United are a marketing club, they will make their money from marketing, but with sport they don’t care in my opinion.”

Asked by Morgan if he’s ever spoken to the Glazers, Ronaldo replied: “Never. They give all the power to the chairman and the sporting director.