Carlyle, a leading US-based private equity group, has emerged as a potential investor in Manchester United. The club is currently in the midst of a third round of bidding, with Sheikh Jassim and Ineos owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe being the only known bidders aiming to buy the club. Additionally, Finnish businessman Thomas Zilliacus has expressed interest in purchasing the club.
Apart from these bidders, there have been talks with a number of parties about buying a partial stake. Elliott Investment Management, an ex-owner of AC Milan, has been known to be interested for some time, while US investor Sixth Street was reported to still be interested despite denying claims of involvement in the process in January. Furthermore, Ares Management is reportedly keen on making some kind of investment and BBC Sport has established that Carlyle has also spoken to the Raine Group.
It is understood that Carlyle’s involvement would be to buy a stake in the club rather than merely provide financing. This is because financing would only add to United’s current debt, which stands at almost £1bn according to their second-quarter results. The Glazer family, who bought the club for £790m in 2005, announced in November that they were exploring “strategic alternatives” for United and have established a valuation of £5-6bn.
Interested parties have been asked to submit a third round of proposals by the end of this month. It is not yet clear whether the Glazer family will sell the club or retain control. However, Old Trafford’s exclusion from Euro 2028 has brought into focus the amount required to modernise the ground, estimated to be at least £1bn.
Carlyle has declined to comment on its interest in the process. Nevertheless, it is evident that the private equity group is one of the potential investors in Manchester United, alongside Elliott Investment Management, Sixth Street, Ares Management and others.