Lord Jim O’Neill has insisted that whoever buys Manchester United needs ‘money and purpose’, whilst refusing to deny the prospect of him making a bid.
O’Neill is a lifelong United fan and member of the former group Red Knights, who had confirmed interest in a potential takeover of the club back in 2010.
Now that the Glazer family have confirmed their intentions to sell United, O’Neill has weighed in on the news and, at the same time, created speculation of him tabling an offer.
According to Manchester Evening News, he may consider pursuing a takeover but only if the Americans lower their current ‘unrealistic’ demands – as they are currently expecting a fee of around £5 billion.
O’Neill talks United sale
On an interview with BBC Radio 4 this morning, he was questioned on the prospect and news of the Glazer’s departure.
He said: “The timing of it probably relates to them, as well as the Liverpool owners, being somewhat surprised by how much Chelsea was bought for and they believe they should be at a premium, and so they’re trying to find somebody that might do that.
Lord Jim O'Neill, economist and former Manchester United board member, tells @BBCNickRobinson whoever buys the club needs 'money and purpose'.
Will he be among those bidding? "Can we talk about fiscal policy instead," he jokes.https://t.co/DttA97xZ9v | #R4Today pic.twitter.com/yS5rhJHM88
— BBC Radio 4 Today (@BBCr4today) November 23, 2022
“Whoever owns Manchester United needs to understand what it is they’re taking on, and the Glazers have not been popular for 17 years, so whoever it is, if they’ve got the money, they’ve got to have some purpose as well.”
He was then asked: “So you understand the culture and the purpose – it’s just a question of whether you can find £4 billion quid?”
O’Neill responded: “I’m not sure if it will necessarily be that much, but let’s see.”
The presenter then acknowledged how his response was a ‘non-denial’, and O’Neill joked, “Can we talk about fiscal policy instead?”
