Respected journalist outlines the Glazers' "outrageous" expectations over Man Utd sale

The Glazers may struggle to find a buyer for Manchester United if they maintain their current asking price for the Premier League club.

In November, United's owners announced their intention to "explore strategic alternatives" for the Red Devils "including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions".

If a buyer is found, it would be the end of the Glazers' controversial 18-year ownership of United.

The Americans have faced fierce opposition from supporters ever since they completed their takeover in 2005, which saddled the club with huge amounts of debt after a leveraged buyout.

Several parties are believed to be interested in buying United from the Glazers, including boyhood fan Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

However, it remains to be seen whether any potential suitors would be willing to meet their financial demands.

Glazers' asking price revealed

Writing for The Telegraph, Sam Wallace revealed that the current ownership are seeking £5billion for United, which he called "an outrageous sum".

It is a particularly large amount when considering the debt currently held by the club, a reported £680million in total.

Wallace believes the staggering price would be a "vast financial undertaking" when bearing in mind a new owner's responsibility to restore Old Trafford.

He stated: "It burdens whoever does so with a vast financial undertaking after which they must then find the funds to update or rebuild a stadium, a training ground and a squad capable of winning.

"In the case of a new Old Trafford, that could cost between £1.5billion and £2billion and would be a disruption that would last eight years."

Potential buyers

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has emerged as the frontrunner to buy the club, having previously been linked with the 13-time Premier League champions.

“We have formally put ourselves into the process,” a spokesman for his company Ineos recently confirmed.

However, following the Glazers' valuation of £5billion, an alliance of investors appears the most likely outcome. There is also thought to be interest from the Middle East, the US and Asia.

It was reported recently that the Glazers could even stay in control at Old Trafford. According to The Mail, investors Josh Harris and David Blitzer - who are also stakeholders within Crystal Palace - are considering purchasing a minority stake in United.

The thought of Glazers remaining at the helm will send shivers down the spines of many United fans. But they will also recognise that very few investors are capable of meeting the family's steep financial demands.