Glazers refute United sale talk

Premier League powerhouse Manchester United will not be sold under any circumstances, according to owners the Glazer family.

The Americans reiterated their ongoing commitment to the club in the wake of growing speculation about a takeover bid from the Qatar royal family.

Qatar Holding – an investment group controlled by the royal family – reportedly tabled a 1.5 billion pound offer for the club, a sum which would nearly double the 790 million pound investment made by the Glazers when they bought United in 2005.

But despite growing speculation the owners would look to cash in on the lucrative offer from the Middle East consortium, the Glazers released a statement along with the latest financial results saying they would not even listen to any bids.

“The board notes recent press speculation regarding a possible bid for Manchester United,” said the statement.

“The owners remain fully committed to their long-term ownership of the club.”

“No discussions have taken place, Manchester United is not for sale and the owners will not entertain any offers.”

The news may come as a disappointment to many United fans, who have made no secret of their displeasure with the way the Glazers have run the club, even starting a ‘green and gold’ campaign against the Americans.

In better news for the club, the financial report showed United’s debt has fallen from 512.5 million pounds 12 months ago to 489.4 million pounds on December 31, 2010.