Sports
‘Green and gold until the club is sold’ has been the fan motto for nearly two decades. It looks like that day could be on the horizon.
In an absolutely staggering day for Manchester United, it looks like the Glazer family could finally be considering selling the club. Parades outside Old Trafford incoming?
The announcement was made in an official statement by the club on Tuesday, November 22, while most fans had not long finished watching the last World Cup game and were still digesting the news from earlier in the evening.
Should a sale actually go through (we’ll believe it when we see it), it will bring the Glazer‘s ownership of the club to an end after more than 17 years of protests and regression as a once top European team.
You can read the full statement below, including words from the typically silent Glazers themselves.
Club statement on a process to explore strategic options for Manchester United.#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 22, 2022
The statement detailed how the board of directors are now “commencing a process to explore strategic alternatives for the club… with the ultimate goal 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 into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the Company.” Yes, you read that right: they might seriously consider selling.
The mere notion of a sale will come as a surprise to virtually every football fan, let alone United supporters, as the US businessmen have long made it clear they had no intention of letting the multi-billion pound sports franchise go.
It was only just over a month ago that long-time suitor Sir Jim Ratcliffe said he was told by the Glazers directly that the club “is not for sale“.
The announcement goes on to explain that they will be examining plans on everything from “stadium and infrastructure redevelopment… expansion of the club’s commercial operations on a global scale”, to the “long-term success of the club’s men’s, women’s and academy teams” before taking next steps.
They also reiterated that the fan base’s interests will also be considered as much as stakeholders. Yeah, we’ve heard that one before…
News of the club being put up for auction was first broken by The Athleticwho reported that the much-maligned American owners had instructed their banks to handle the sale of the sporting giants.
Shortly after that, Sky News revealed that the share price of the club rocketed by 17% following the rumors alone.
The sale of #mufc could be far in excess of the club’s stock market valuation. Since the latest news broke, the share price has risen by as much as 17% [@MarkKleinmanSky]
— utdreport (@utdreport) November 22, 2022
Speaking in a rare statement from the two, co-chairmen and directors Joel and Avram Glazer said: “As we seek to continue building on the Club’s history of success, the Board has authorized 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.
They also insisted that they will “remain fully focused on serving the best interests of our fans, shareholders, and various stakeholders.”
Whether what happens next is a full-blown agreement to sell or simply an invitation to welcome other investors on board, it is thought that the incoming parties will also be American. It also thought that were they to sell, they will be looking for offers between $5-9 billion.
Manchester United are for sale.
Glazer family willing to listen to offers for the club they bought in a controversial leveraged buyout 17 years ago. Expectation if club is sold, it will be to US investors.
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) November 22, 2022
It has also been confirmed that banking giants Rothschild and Co. will be acting as the exclusive financial advisor to the Glazer family shareholders and all those financially invested in the club.
Before fans get too carried away, the club did reiterate that “there can be no assurance that the review being undertaken will result in any transaction involving the Company” and no further comments will be made until an official decision or breakthrough has been made.
This earth-shattering news comes just hours after the Red Devils confirmed the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo by way of mutual agreement — an outcome that seemed significantly more likely than the club being put up for sale.
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Manchester United are approaching nearly a decade without a league title and have won few trophies in the years since Sir Alex Ferguson.
Moreover, despite numerous additions to the squad itself down the year, the consensus has long been that the club has seen little investment from its owners — certainly not with their own money, anyway. With that in mind, a deal done or not, this is a momentous day for United fans around the world.
While we don’t expect a decision before the end of the year, Reds may finally be able to put their Glazers Out banners down in the near future.
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Image — Manchester United/Andre Zahn
Sports
Greene King pubs offering free beer to these 50 surnames for the 2022 World Cup
Danny Jones
Greene King pubs have announced that they will be giving away free beer to select individuals with the right surname this World Cup and we’re now cursing our parents.
The British pub retailer and brewer has launched the campaign to mark England and Wales’ participation in Qatar 2022. So what’s the deal?
It’s simple: for anyone fortunate enough to share their surname with one of the 50 players in the two British squads, you can cop yourself a free pint for a Greene King pub in your area.
You love to see it.
Credit: England (via Twitter)
Credit: Cymru (via Twitter)
It really is as simple as if you’re one of the lucky sods to have been born with the right last name, you can claim a free drink during any England or Wales game.
The only small catch is that you have to prove your name with a photo ID. Easy peasy.
In case you need a reminder, here are the 50 last names that can earn you some free beers:
England team:
Pickford, Pope, Ramsdale Alexander-Arnold, Coady, Dier, Maguire, Shaw, Stones, Trippier, Walker, White, Bellingham, Gallagher, Henderson, Mount, Phillips, Rice, Foden, Grealish, Kane, Maddison, Rashford, Saka, Sterling , Wilson.
Wales squad:
Hennessey, Ward, Davies, Cabango, Lockyer, Rodon, Mepham, Ampadu, Gunter, Williams, Roberts, Thomas, Allen, Smith, Levitt, Wilson, Morrell, Ramsey, Colwill, Bale, Moore, Harris, Johnson, James.
This comes just a few days after the chain’s recently restored The Deansgate venue announced they were giving away free England shirts for the Three Lions.
Yeah, the one that can set you back anywhere between £75 and £115.
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Better still, this isn’t even the only promotion the line of pubs has run this World Cup. Earlier this year, Greene King announced a partnership with 1966 legend Geoff Hurst, who is helping provide free meals to pensioners this winter. Wonderful stuff.
In a cost of living crisis, it’s great to see businesses like this doing their bit to help a few extra punters out while they’re trying to watch this year’s rather unorthodox tournament at the pub like any other. And hey, at least we can actually drink them here.
You might have missed out on the opportunity with the first game but don’t you worry, the Three Lions are going all the way, so you’ve got plenty of time for free pints.
In case you needed reminding, it’s coming home.
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Image — Greene King/England (via Twitter)
Sports
Cristiano Ronaldo to leave Manchester United with ‘immediate effect’
Danny Jones
Manchester United have confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will be leaving the club with immediate effect following his controversial Piers Morgan interview.
Issuing an official statement on Tuesday, 22 November, United confirmed that the 37-year-old footballing veteran and sporting icon will be parting ways with the club following a “mutual agreement”.
ronaldo was expected to be sacked following his inflammatory comments in the now infamous interview and the club are also said to be considering a lawsuit for breach of contract.
It’s unclear whether they will be pursuing legal action following this latest decision.
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.#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 22, 2022
Writing on the club site, the Red Devils thanked Ronaldo for his “immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances” and wished “him and his family well for the future.”
They went on to add: “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 signed off with his own statementswriting: “I love [Man United] and I love the fans, that will never 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.”
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Despite being away with Portugal for the World CupRonaldo has been at the center of a storm ever since the interview aired after he took aim at both former and current figures around the club.
United said they were left”extremely disappointed” by his behavior and denied his claims that they did not offer enough compassionate support following the death of his newborn son as well as his daughter’s illness shortly after.
His image was removed from the front of Old Trafford shortly after.
While it might not be how most Reds would have hoped the club legend’s return would have ended, we imagine many will just be glad the drama has come to an end.
Featured Image — Manchester United (via Twitter)