‘Fresh start’ - Owen Hargreaves sends Glazer family a Manchester United takeover message

Owen Hargreaves says the Glazers are not under any obligation to sell Manchester United but believes a 'fresh start' is what the fans deserve.

The takeover process is now into its eighth month with little clarity over how it will conclude. Both Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe remain in the race but there are fears the current owners may decide not to sell.

Countless anti-Glazers protests and statements from fan groups in recent years have called for the US family to leave the club entirely after an 18-year reign. TNT Sports pundit Owen Hargreaves says the Glazers have shown a thick skin amid the backlash, having seemingly wavered little in their approach to club operations. But the ex United midfielder feels a reset would benefit everyone at the club.

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When asked by the Manchester Evening News whether the Glazers need to sell up, Hargreaves said: “They own it, they don’t have to do anything. They’ve put themselves in a position where they own one of the greatest sport franchises in the world. Fair play to whoever told them to go and buy them because it was probably one the best business decisions they have made in their life, so they don’t have to do anything.

"But obviously, they want to be paid what they think is right for them. I know everyone doesn’t agree with the way they run the football club but the thing is there are a lot of people with different opinions - but in the end they own it. And if they don’t want to sell, they don’t have to.”

He added: “They’ve been criticised quite heavily and it hasn't changed their opinion on anything. I do think a fresh start would be good for everyone and the fans deserve it more than anyone but let’s be