Avram Glazer refused to answer questions on the uncertainty surrounding the ownership of Manchester United after watching his side lose Saturday’s FA Cup final at Wembley. The American businessman made a rare appearance as he enjoyed the showpiece alongside Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill, only to be left disappointed as United were beaten 2-1 by their local rivals, who now stand on the brink of completing an historic treble ahead of next weekend’s Champions League final in Istanbul. While United have undoubtedly made progress under Erik ten Hag this season, there remains a chasm between them and Pep Guardiola’s relentless winning machines. Fans had hoped that the confusion over the ownership and bidding process would have been resolved ahead of the opening of the summer transfer window, but it remains unclear as to whether Sir Jim Ratcliffe or Sheikh Jassim will emerge successful after weeks of conjecture. As he strode through the mixed zone after the trophy presentation, Glazer was repeatedly asked to clarify his intentions but steadfastly refused to give an answer.
Erik ten Hag, who faces another crucial summer if he is to advance his rebuilding project, said in his post match press conference: ‘I have only one plan, that is to improve this club, improve this team. I will fight for my ideas. I will talk to the club about what we have to do for that. But I have to work with my staff, my players, to be better next season.’ On the uncertainty surrounding the takeover, he added: ‘In this moment I don’t want to discuss that. It is about finalising the season, we have to be quiet, analyse, go in depth, set right conclusions, then take action.’