Business News
Dream on United fans, Glazers don't have to sell
Manchester United players celebrate after beating Aston Villa in the English League Cup final at Wembley Stadium in London on February 28, 2010. More than 20,000 Manchester United fans have joined the campaign to force out the club's U.S. owners. Photo/REUTERS
Posted Thursday, March 11 2010 at 14:22
For fans thinking a local owner would fare better, Ganis and several bankers said buyers would face the same pressure because they would have to purchase the club at a higher price than the Glazers paid and probably use debt to finance a deal.
The Red Knights have said any new ownership would "put the club on sound financial footing."
Nevertheless, the Glazers have their supporters in the United States, where they led the Buccaneers to a 2003 Super Bowl championship although the NFL team has hit lean times in the last several years.
The Glazers are also appreciated for their support of charitable causes in the Tampa area, where a children's museum sporting the family name is due to open later this year.
"These are folks that have made a lot of roots in the community," said Rob Higgins, executive director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, which promotes amateur sports activities and received a $2 million commitment from the Glazers.
Analysts said selling United would likely be the last choice for the Glazers.
"This is a primo property," said Robert Boland, professor of sports management at New York University. "You don't want to sell them if you can (help it)."
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