'No chance' - Journalists give estimated timeframe for Man Utd sale

Sky News City editor Mark Kleinman and Sky Sports chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol have given an estimated timeframe on when fans could expect a sale of Manchester United to be finalised.

Red Devils supporters have been keeping tabs on their club's ownership situation more than ever this week, when it was announced by the board that they were exploring 'strategic alternatives' for the club.

These alternatives include new investment into United, or a sale of the club.

Any sale would bring to an end the controversial tenure of the Glazer family, who took over United in 2005.

The owners have been criticised over a lack of investment into club facilities, the method of takeover which, according to Sky News, left the club with £500 million of debt, and their attempt to take United into the doomed European Super League.

Fans have also been critical of a lack of communication between the Glazer family and the club's supporters over key issues.

Since the board's statement last week, the rumour mill has gone into overdrive as to who could buy the club, with the Saudi Arabia government set to 'definitely support' any bid from the state's private sector, its sports minister told BBC Sport.

Whatever happens, however, the takeover process is likely to be a drawn-out one as the current ownership searches for the best deal.

And Kleinman and Solhekol has told United fans what to anticipate.

Man Utd takeover: Possible timeframe given

Writing for the Sky Sports website, the pair revealed the hurdles the Glazers will have to jump over to sell the club.

He explained: "A sale of United is likely to be a more leisurely affair [compared to the sale of Chelsea, which occurred within three months], and will presumably involve a delisting of their New York-quoted shares, as well as the sifting by bankers at The Raine Group of what are likely to be numerous offers.

"For example, there were more than 100 expressions of interest in buying Chelsea. The Raine Group can take their time to make sure they get the right owner for United.

"It is expected the club's strategic review will run for at least a couple of months, and detailed talks with buyers will get underway some time in the new year.

"If a full sale does take place, completion of a deal by the end of the current season is a more realistic timetable - and that would be without any financing or regulatory obstacles."