Man Utd's market value drops by more than $1.2 billion in just over a week as Glazer fears emerge

Manchester United’s market value dropped by more than $1.2billion (£1billion) in just over a week as fears emerge the Glazers could remain at the club

Earlier this month two rival bids were submitted to purchase United from the Glazers.

Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the chairman of Qatari bank QIB and the son of a former prime minister of Qatar submitted a “significant” proposal for the Old Trafford club.

Meanwhile, Manchester-born billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe submitted a bid via his petrochemicals company Ineos, with the 70-year-old emphasising he would be "a British custodian for the club" and would aim to "put the Manchester back into Manchester United".

However, despite United fans’ excitement over a prospective takeover, there is also a suggestion that the Glazers could remain at the club after all.

United’s market value falls

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire claimed on Twitter that United’s share price had fallen by more than $1.2billion (£1billion).

On Twitter Maguire wrote: “Manchester United's share price has fallen another 12.9% today as the market gets jitters that Glazers will not sell.

“Market value of the club has [gone down] by $1.2 billion in just over a week.”

The steep drop in value comes amid reports the Glazer could remain at United, despite having announced they were exploring “strategic alternatives” for the club back in November.

Indeed, in early February the Times claimed the Americans were “split” over whether sell the club.

Joel and Avram Glazer are allegedly open to the idea of the family maintaining control of United, while Kevin, Bryan, Darcie and Edward Glazer, who own an equal stake in the club, are reportedly more in favour of a complete sale.

Moreover, ESPN claimed last week that the Glazers had been offered the financial backing to remain United owners by American hedge fund Elliott Management.

The New York-based group registered an interest in investing in the Premier League giants, which has created the possibility of Joel and Avram Glazer retaining an interest in the club.

Indeed, the hedge fund, which has assets of £45billion, could allegedly offer the Glazers the opportunity to negotiate investment in the club if a full sale cannot be finalised

Moreover, the Mail Online claim would also consider funding Old Trafford's refurbishment if the Americans opt to retain control or sell to another party.