The Glazers remain split on whether or not to sell Manchester United should a buyer fall short of their £5bn valuation.
The Premier League outfit could be sold after nearly two decades of American ownership, which has been widely criticised due to a lack of investment and involvement. The Raine Group, the New York-based investment bank, are overseeing a potential sale, but the Glazers are keeping their options open.
A change of owners at Old Trafford could see the Red Devils surpass the record sale price for sporting team - which currently stands at the £3.8bn it took to purchase the NFL side Denver Broncos last year. The Times understands that those at the top of the club are undecided about whether or not to sell should they miss out on their desired price.
Potential bidders, of which Britain's richest man Jim Ratcliffe is one, are unconvinced by the Glazers' desire to sell the club. ESPN reports that they could be looking for a major investor to take a stake in the club, rather than sell it all together.
There is currently a soft deadline of February 17 for any bidders to register their interest amid rumours that Qatari and Saudi Arabian buyers are keen. Ratcliffe is currently the only confirmed bidder in the process.
Joel and Avram Glazer, the co-chairmen at United, who have owned the club since 2005, know that major funds are needed to spend on Old Trafford and the Carrington training ground - both of which are considered second rate in the modern game after years of neglect.
Such funds could come from a wealthy investor, who would aid the improving of the club's infrastructure. United also have debts north of £500m whilst they owe £300m in transfer fees. All this means the Glazers could struggle to compete financially with the European elite - unless they find help.
Premier League rivals Chelsea were sold for £2.5bn in the summer, with a further £1.75bn committed to future investment, as they too become American-owned. United are looking for considerably more than that, but many believe that valuation to be excessively high.
Any buyer would have to pour millions - possibly billions - of extra cash into the club after initially purchasing it. That makes the Glazers' price tag a hard one to hit in the current market and given the state of United on and off the pitch.
Gary Neville has told Sky Sports on any potential sale: "Beyond the Glazers leaving, I don't think United can afford to be with another investment fund where they're expecting a return on the money. That's what worries me about private equity coming into football. People are still looking for a return on their money and a return on their investment. Manchester United need a debt-free football club with someone who is willing to put money into it."
