Fans hope Glazer era is over as Manchester United owners consider sale

Fans gathered outside Old Trafford on Wednesday said they hoped the Glazers' time as owners of Manchester United was coming to an end as a leading supporters group insisted the Red Devils' loyal followers must have a stake in any new share structure. 

The US-based Glazer family said late Tuesday that they were "exploring strategic alternatives", including a possible sale of the Premier League football giants. 

Their announcement came just hours after it was confirmed United star player Cristiano Ronaldo was leaving with "immediate effect" following a television interview last week where, amid other criticisms, he said the Glazers "don't care about the club". 

The Glazers have been unpopular with supporters ever since a £790 million ($934 million) leveraged takeover in 2005 burdened the club with huge debts. 

Frustration towards the Americans has only grown during a nine-year decline in results on the pitch, with the Red Devils failing to win the Premier League since the 2012/13 season - outstanding manager Alex Ferguson's final campaign before retirement. 

A supporter who identified himself as Pat, a 23-year-old who works in a nearby pub, told AFP outside Old Trafford on Wednesday: "Working at the pub when they (United) play at home, all you hear in the pub is 'Glazers out, Glazers out'. The fans seem to just hate the Glazers. I think it is time for a change." 

His comments were endorsed by Juan, a 32-year-old United supporter from Mexico. 

"Definitely, the club needs more investment to get better infrastructure, better players than they are doing right now. It's time." 

Meanwhile, the Manchester United Supporters Trust welcomed the possible departure of the Glazers but also issued a warning about any future owners. 

"Whilst