Manchester United to return to stock market?

The Glazer family are considering returning Manchester United to the stock market in a £1.7bn flotation that would see it listed in Asia rather than London. 

Bankers have told the American owners that listing the club on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange could value it at more than double the £790m they paid for it in 2005. 

The popularity of United in Asia means the club could attract a higher price although talks are still at an early stage. 

Talk of a listing could breathe new life into the plans of the Red Knights, the consortium of wealthy United fans led by Jim O’Neill of Goldman Sachs and featuring several prominent City figures.

The Glazers have been criticised for siphoning off cash in order pay interest on loans they took out when they bought United. Last year the club made a £79m loss despite revenues of £286m and an operating profit of £91m.

Manchester United supporters have welcomed suggestions the club could be floated by its owners the Glazer family – but want any listing to take place in London rather than Hong Kong.