Foriegn

Man United up for sale …as Ronaldo leaves by mutual consent

The Glazer family are ready to sell Manchester United and will listen to offers in excess of £5 billion, it has emerged.

United confirmed the sensational news that the world’s biggest football club was effectively for sale in a statement issued at 9.30pm on Tuesday night.

The Raine Group and Rothschild and Co have been appointed as exclusive financial advisors to oversee the process.

United said it is designed to enhance future growth, but added that the club ‘will consider all strategic alternatives, including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions.’

A statement from co-chairmen Avram and Joel Glazer read: ‘The strength of Manchester United rests on the passion and loyalty of our global community of 1.1bn fans and followers.

As we seek to continue building on the club’s history of success, the board has authorised a thorough evaluation of strategic alternatives.

‘We will evaluate all options to ensure that we best serve our fans and that Manchester United maximizes the significant growth opportunities available to the club today and in the future.

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo has kissed goodbye to £16million after it was confirmed that he has left Manchester United with immediate effect.

Ronaldo’s exit has been agreed by mutual consent but United have not paid any compensation for the remaining seven months of his £500,000-a-week contract at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo’s exit was announced on Tuesday afternoon after United confirmed the news in a 67-word statement.

A terse statement released on Tuesday evening read: ‘Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect.

‘The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family well for the future.

‘Everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team’s progress under Erik ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch.’

Ronaldo released his own statement following the news, writing: ‘Following conversations with Manchester United, we have mutually agreed to end our contract early.

‘I love Manchester United and I love the fans; that will never ever change. However, it feels like the right time for me to seek a new challenge.

‘I wish the team every success for the remainder of the season and for the future.’ 

Ronaldo’s position at the club became untenable after he criticised the club, the Glazers, manager Erik ten Hag and his team-mates in the interview.

United wanted to deal with Ronaldo as swiftly as possible and took just four days to show him the door. However, the club were reluctant to become embroiled in an unseemly court battle with one of their greatest ever players.

The Glazers, chief executive Richard Arnold, football director John Murtough and Ten Hag decided that Ronaldo has burnt his bridges at Old Trafford and there is no way back for him at the club.

The announcement comes just two days before Ronaldo kicks off Portugal’s World Cupfinals campaign against Ghana. –Sportsmail

Show More
Back to top button