Man Utd sale rumours: What are the most expensive takeovers in sport?

With their popularity among fans at an all-time low, the Glazer family are reportedly prepared to sell Manchester United. However, if they are to part with the club, they won’t be doing so on the cheap.

Having lost both of their opening games of the Premier League season, the Red Devils find themselves rock bottom of the English top-flight – and supporters are laying the majority of the blame at the door of the Glazers.

United’s owners famously financed their takeover of the club by taking out substantial loans and have been accused of failing to adequately invest in both the playing squad and the broader infrastructure at Old Trafford.

A number of fan protests have been held against the Glazers in recent years, but none have ever looked likely to make the men in charge budge.

On Wednesday, however, Goal’s James Robson tweeted to reveal that he had been told “it would take around £6 billion to buy United” – suggesting that the Glazers would be willing to move on if the price was right.

If that £6bn asking price were to be met, it would officially be the most expensive sporting takeover in history.

At almost £5bn more than they paid for the club back in 2005, the price tag does seem steep, particularly given the sorry state that United are in right now.

Below, we’ve taken a look at the top 10 priciest takeovers in sport as they stand today. The £6bn that the Glazers are reportedly seeking for United would be enough to cover the first five deals on this list – with plenty of change left over.

Figures taken as per The Sun, Forbes and ESPN.

=9. Seattle Mariners | Baseball | 2016 – £920m

=9. Miami Marlins | Baseball | 2017 – £920m

8. Buffalo Bills | NFL | 2014 – £1.07bn

7. Manchester United | Football | 2005 – £1.15bn

=5. LA