Manchester United have reportedly already had discussions with a group of Qatar-based investors looking to purchase the club from the Glazer family.

Towards the end of 2022, Man United's current owners released a statement confirming that they were open to selling the club in the near future.

"Manchester United plc, one of the most successful and historic sports clubs in the world, announces today that the company's board of directors (the "board") is commencing a process to explore strategic alternatives for the club," the Glazers said on Man United's official website.

"The process is designed to enhance the club's future growth, with the ultimate goal of positioning the club to capitalize on opportunities both on the pitch and commercially.

"As part of this process, the board will consider all strategic alternatives, including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the company.

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"This will include an assessment of several initiatives to strengthen the club, including stadium and infrastructure redevelopment, and expansion of the club's commercial operations on a global scale, each in the context of enhancing the long-term success of the club's men's, women's and academy teams, and bringing benefits to fans and other stakeholders."

A recent report claimed that Qatari-based investors were preparing to make an offer for Man United, with the group confident that they will be able to agree a deal with the Glazer family.

According to the Daily Mail, there has already been talks between Man United and their potential new owners, although there is still an issue when it comes to the valuation of the club.

There have been claims that the Glazers would want around £6bn to sell the 20-time English champions, but the report claims that a deal could ultimately go through for a fee of between £4.1bn and £4.6bn.

The investors are also believed to be prepared to commit around £2bn to oversee the redevelopment of Old Trafford, which has fallen behind a number of other stadiums in world football.

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The new group are said to be prepared to hand head coach Erik ten Hag significant transfer funds, meanwhile, with the Dutchman attempting to lead the club back to the top of the world game.

However, Man United's co-owner Avram Glazer said towards the end of last year that a full sale of the club might not take place, with new investment into the current set-up also an option.

"It's not necessarily a sale, it's a process and we're going forward with the process, so we'll see what happens," he told The Athletic. "I'm here to really watch the World Cup but I appreciate your interest. That's the update, it's the process and the process is proceeding."

Apple, Amazon and Facebook were among the companies to be linked with potential takeovers when it was confirmed by the Glazers that a sale could occur.

Man United were held to a 2-2 draw by Leeds United in the Premier League on Wednesday night and will be bidding to return to winning ways when they visit Elland Road to face the same team on Sunday.