Gary Neville reveals major factor behind Man Utd demise and tells Glazers what they must do next

Gary Neville has urged the Glazer family to sell Manchester United completely to ensure there is a substantial injection of cash into the club.

The American owners took control of the Red Devils back in 2005. Although they have overseen success at Old Trafford, it has not been a harmonious relationship between owners and supporters. United have won five Premier League titles during their reign while they lifted the Champions League trophy in 2007-2008.

But it has come at a cost, with spiralling debts after various refinancing packages over the years.

The fans have shown their displeasure in recent times, with regular protests against the Glazer family.

And they responded by revealing last month that they would listen to offers for the north-west giants.

Any potential buyers will need to find around £4bn to complete a deal. And that level of finance means it is unlikely to be a quick sale.

The process is said to be ‘ongoing’ although few details have been revealed to the public.

However, Avram Glazer recently suggested that the current owners might not relinquish complete control of the club.

“It’s not necessarily a sale, it’s a process and we’re going forward with the process, so we’ll see what happens,” he told The Athletic.

That would not go down well with the United faithful who want to see the slate wiped clean. And, when asked if it should be a complete sale, Neville agreed.

“Yes, I mean it’s out of his [Erik ten Hag’s] hands,” he told Sky Sports. “It’s out of everyone’s hands.

“There’s only the Glazer family themselves that can determine what happens and obviously the bidding parties.”

Neville eyes major investment for United progress

Manchester United last won the Premier League in 2012-2013, Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in charge.

Several managers have tried to replicate the Scot’s achievements but have fallen short of their goals.

Erik ten Hag is the latest man charged with the task of bringing back the good times.

And the Dutchman has certainly taken the bull by the horns, effectively ending Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to the club.

The Portugal legend was marginalised this season, leading to the infamous interview that culminated in his contract being terminated.

Ten Hag has guided his charges to fifth in the standings. And they will be hoping for a return to the Champions League next season.

That will require further investment in new players. And Neville is adamant the current owners could not provide the necessary funds to challenge the top clubs.

“The cost of the transfer market nowadays – competing with [Manchester] City and the other clubs at the top – they haven’t got the money,” he added.

“They’ve obviously put the club into quite a bit of debt and they can’t extend that debt either, so it’s absolutely right, it needs to be a full sale. I think it will.

“It has been needed, this, it has been coming for the last six to eight months because the cash requirement that is needed to build, to rebuild this stadium, refurbish this stadium, whatever it is they decide to do.”

Global tech behemoths Apple and Amazon have been mentioned in connection with buying the club.

There may be some choppy waters ahead before any sale is completed. But fans are unlikely to be too sorry when the Glazers finally depart the scene.

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