Man Utd takeover bidder aims dig at the Glazers with cryptic 'money' claim

Manchester United bidder Thomas Zilliacus has criticised the Glazers for missing a major 'additional source of revenue', although he is yet to reveal what it is.

Earlier this month, Finnish entrepreneur Zilliacus entered the race to purchase United from the Glazers and pledged to introduce a form of fan ownership at Old Trafford if he is successful.

"Any sport club ultimately should belong to its fans. The current development, where billionaire sheiks and oligarchs take over clubs and control them as their personal playgrounds is not a healthy trend," said Zilliacus, who has vowed to finance £3bn for his bid if United fans can collectively raise £1.5bn to aid his takeover attempt.

On Thursday, United released the club's financial results for the three-month period to December 31, 2022.

United posted a 22 per cent increase in commercial revenues but saw income from matchday revenues and broadcasting deals fall.

During the three-month period, the club posted a net profit of £6.3m but revenue compared to the previous year fell by 10 per cent to £167.3m, according to the Manchester Evening News.

The club's accounts also showed that long-term debt had risen to £535.7m – an increase of more than £58m from the previous year.

Zilliacus aims dig at the Glazers with cryptic claim

In a tweet responding to the financial results, Zilliacus wrote: "The latest financial figures released by Manchester United show the club has missed one revenue source that could bring in more money than any of the current ones.

"If XXI Century Capital's bid wins that will change."

He later added in a follow-up tweet: "Many have asked what additional source of revenue I am talking about.

"I will reveal what it is if I am successful with my bid, and immediately implement it."

Zilliacus would go on to further criticise the Glazers for a perceived lack of communication with fans.

"To those who say I am not replying; I cannot reply to thousands of individual tweets, but I reply in my tweets to all relevant questions," he added.

"I believe in open communication with the fans, unlike some others it seems."

Zilliacus faces stiff competition to buy Manchester United, with multiple rival bids submitted including offers from British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Several other parties are believed to be trying to negotiate a full sale with Raine, the investment bank conducting the sale on behalf of the Glazers, with others looking to make a smaller investment in return for a partial stake in the club.