Businessman Michael Knighton has provided an update on his current goal of buying Manchester United from the Glazers and feels the current owners will be gone within a year.
Knighton tweeted ‘Thank you ALL for the wonderful messages of support. There is a lot going on behind the scenes. Things are progressing as planned. I apologize, I can’t be on this platform anymore, just stuck in meetings. God bless you and all good wishes to all of you. Your support is greatly appreciated.’
Thank you ALL for the wonderful messages of support. There is a lot going on behind the scenes. Things are progressing as planned. I apologize, I can’t be on this platform anymore, I’m just stuck in meetings. God bless you and I wish you all good wishes. Your support is greatly appreciated
— Michael Knighton (@RealMKnighton) September 17, 2022
There are no other details on what Knighton’s plans are, although it is understood that he is backing billionaire Sir James Ratcliffe, who has an interest in a takeover.
Knighton appears to be talking to various parties about raising the funds needed to bid against current owners The Glazers.
In an interview last month, he said: “Everyone knows we need new ownership of this football club and that is my goal and those are my goals.” I’m making good progress, I’m still talking to people, I’ve got some good promises and good finances.’
Knighton is no stranger to this situation, having tried to buy United in 1989, although this deal ultimately fell through, Knighton ending up on Old Trafford’s board of directors.
The situations seem to be similar, Knighton had a group of financial backers last time, something he seems to be trying to achieve now, he also alluded to this recently in an interview, saying: “There are strong comparisons between Manchester United in 1989 and Manchester United now, apart from the numbers that are getting bigger and bigger.’
The main problem with Knighton’s approach is the Glazers’ unwillingness to sell the club thus far.
Despite Knighton’s claims that the Glazers won’t own it next year (he recently claimed the American family “won’t own Manchester United next year”), they have so far shown no chance of selling full control. of the club.
Recent reports have suggested that the Glazers are willing to sell some shares to generate new investment in the club, however this would be a minority stake with no real impact on Glazer ownership.
It seems likely that this situation will continue and not be resolved any time soon, but with the ongoing protests against the Glazers, they may make the decision to sell sooner rather than later.
