"Mark my words..." - Mark Goldbridge claims the Glazers have made Man Utd sale error which could backfire

Mark Goldbridge claims the Glazers have made a massive error in judgement over the sale of Manchester United.

The Glazer family, who have owned United since 2005, announced last November they were considering "strategic alternatives" for the Premier League - include a potential full sale.

The American owners instructed banking group Raine to handle the process and have received several offers, both for a complete sale of the Premier League club and for outside investment in return for a minority stake.

Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani has made an offer to buy United in full, while Britain's richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is attempting to secure a majority stake in the club.

Finnish entrepreneur Thomas Zilliacus has also announced his intention to buy the club through his investment firm, XXI Century Capital, and then issue low-priced shares to supporters - allowing them a form of fan ownership if his bid is successful.

A number of United States-based investment funds have also contacted Raine to register their interest in acquiring a minority stake in the club.

Earlier this week, reports emerged which claimed that co-chairmen Joel and Avram Glazer are increasingly confident of securing the investment needed to remain as Manchester United owners.

ESPN claim the Glazers believe they could potentially double the value of United over the next decade if they retain overall control.

YouTuber presenter and prominent United supporter Goldbridge is sceptical of those reports and believe they could be an attempt to push up the price of a full takeover, with the deadline for third and final bids at the end of the month.

Goldbridge: The Glazers must sell up

"They are silly business people who have manipulated a football club for too long and actually think they're quite clever," Goldbridge said on The United Stand.

"What they've done is, they’ve put hints out there that they're going to stay to try and get Al-Thani and Sir Jim to bid higher, and it's going to bite them.

"They've basically poked the tiger, poked the beehive. Now they're going to go 'Oh no we didn't mean it, we are really up for sale.' That is what is going to happen."

Goldbridge's comments come amid rumours United supporters are planning another mass protest against the club's owners in the coming weeks.

"Mark my words, at some point in the next two weeks before that big protest, there will be a big story saying that the Glazers are selling because it's backfired," added Goldbridge.

"I hope Al-Thani and Ratcliffe don't fall into it and say 'look, we're not increasing our bid to £6bn. Your offer is this – take it or leave it.'

"The power is with them. The Glazers are not in a strong position, they have to sell. They've got a fanbase that loathes them and will not let them stay. They've got to sell."