Former Liverpool FC chairman delivers verdict on Manchester United takeover

Former Liverpool chairman Sir Martin Broughton has delivered his verdict on a Manchester United takeover.

Ahead of the 'soft deadline' that was set by The Raine Group, who are overseeing the possible sale of United on behalf of the Glazer family, on February 17, Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani submitted an official proposal to secure full control of the club. He was joined in tabling an offer by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, whose bid was confirmed the following day.

No other parties have stepped forward and confirmed that they made an official bid to possibly purchase the club from the Glazers, who are reportedly still undecided as to whether they are prepared to go through with a full sale of the club.

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Both official bids have gained plenty of attention over the past couple of weeks. Involvement from private equity funds has also been suggested, and Broughton, who is the former chairman of British Airways, has now had his say on a potential takeover at Old Trafford.

"Private equity is an unsuitable owner of sports teams," said Broughton, as quoted by BBC Sport. "The US doesn't let them buy any sports franchise.

"The standard operating procedure is buy with as little equity and as much leverage as possible, get your equity back as quickly as possible through dividends, then flip it as soon as there is a good profit. Nothing wrong with that process in other industries, but it is so far from what the fan wants.

"Football clubs are community entities. They are emotional assets. The fans want equity and no debt."

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