Gary Neville revealed his “biggest concern” surrounding the Manchester United sale.
In November, United owners the Glazers announced they would explore “strategic alternatives” for the club, which could result in an outright sale.
And on Friday two bids for ownership of United were submitted from Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group.
Manchester-born billionaire Ratcliffe’s proposal will allegedly aim to “put the Manchester back into Manchester United’.
Meanwhile, Sheik Jassim’s proposal would allegedly carry no debt, while all profits under his ownership would be reinvested into the community through the newly-formed Nine Two Foundation.
Indeed, earlier this month it was reported that Joel and Avram Glazer were keen to remain at United. However, the pair were hoping to attract outside investment to help fund the refurbishment of Old Trafford and build a new training ground.
Elliott Management, which has assets of £45billion, could offer the Glazers the opportunity to negotiate investment in the club if a sale is not finalised
Gary Neville’s biggest concern
Former Manchester United captain Neville claimed his “biggest concern” was the prospect of Joel and Avram Glazer maintaining a majority stake in United.
The Americans have been divisive figures at Old Trafford since their £790million takeover in 2005, which was predominantly financed through loans secured against the club’s assets.
Speaking on the Gary Neville podcast, the 48-year-old said: “I think what scares Man Utd fans most is the feeling this Man Utd ownership are running this process to drive a massive price up to try to somehow establish a level which means two of them can stay in and the rest of the family that want out can be bought out by an American fund who wouldn’t mind owning a minority or significant share but not the entirety of the share.
“That’s the biggest concern. The whole emphasis at this moment in time from Man Utd fans is this has to be the end of the Glazer ownership.”
Neville added: “[The Glazers] have run out of money, they’ve not invested in the stadium. The fans want a new stadium, whether that’s Old Trafford refurbished or a new one rebuilt, we need new facilities.
“Man Utd’s stadium is behind a lot of the big [clubs] in Europe.
“The sporting project they’ve failed on in the last 10 years since Sir Alex Ferguson left.
“It’s doing quite well at the moment, third in the league but it’s not where Man Utd want to be.”
When asked if he thinks the Glazers truly intend to sell up, he continued: “I still think there is a focus that this isn’t one big charade that the Glazers are running to try to establish a value which would be for their brothers and sisters to exit and the couple that want to stay in to stay.
“There’s a priority at this moment in time for them to go.”
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