Glazers will not sell Manchester United for 'many, many years'

A view of Old Trafford (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United's owners will not sell the club for “many, many years” despite ongoing interest, according to vice-chairman Ed Woodward.

The sell off of 10% of the Glazers' shares in the club in the IPO sale in August raised some questions over the American family's long-term involvement but Woodward said they had no interest in cashing in the rest of their holding.

Woodward admitted though that he could not rule out one of the six Glazer siblings selling their holding at some point in the future.

Woodward said: "There is always interest in this business. It is a phenomenal brand and club, but they are not willing sellers at all, they won't even engage, they are long-term investors.

"It's a very popular business that people have interest in. The answer is: 'not for sale'. I talk to them [the Glazers] every day and the excitement they have in this club is undiminished and I don't see them selling completely more many, many years."

Woodward did accept however that one of the Glazers could dispose of their shares at some point.

He added: "They could - they are a family of six siblings and from time to time, seven to 10 years, who knows if one wants to sell a small piece or not."

Woodward revealed that India and Australia are both on a shortlist of countries for United to tour in the summer.

The club are also to open an office on the east coast of the USA to try to cash in on growing interest in football in North America.