Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville says that United would be a “better buy” for possible buyers rather than Liverpool.
Two of English football’s biggest clubs, United and Liverpool have both been put up for sale at the same time and speaking to Sky Sport’s Melissa Reddy in Qatar, Neville believes that United would be a far better proposition for an owner looking to purchase these two global institutions, and as a result Man United might be purchased before Liverpool.
“I don’t want to be disrespectful to Liverpool at all because they’re a massive football club,” Neville told Sky Sports.
“Manchester United will be more sought after and will fetch a higher price than Liverpool just through its might. Unless Liverpool have got something sorted, I think they’re going to have to wait a little bit because I think the buyers will go to Manchester United first – unless there’s a Liverpool fan who is very wealthy somewhere and has an allegiance to Liverpool.
“But I think if you were looking at both, as an asset side by side, you’d choose Manchester United and that’s not me being biased as a Manchester United fan.”
The Athletic this month reported that Liverpool have been put up for sale and the American owners reportedly have put together a presentation for those buyers who are interested in purchasing Liverpool [Mirror].
Last week, it was confirmed by Manchester United that the Glazer family are exploring the possibility of selling the club, which is a welcome boost and relief for the United fans, who have had to ensure an unsavoury relationship with their owners since they purchased the club in 2005 through a leveraged takeover.
It is unprecedented that both United are in the market at the same time, and because of the global appeal and history of the two clubs, it would be a great opportunity for someone to purchase the club as they are two of the biggest clubs in English football, despite how well City are doing on and off the pitch.
“When you look at the height of English football when it comes to viewing figures, fans, and commercial revenues – it’s Manchester United and Liverpool at the very top.
“Forget the fact that Manchester City at this moment in time create a higher revenue. Naturally through traditional means, Manchester United and Liverpool are the two biggest clubs in the country by a mile.”
Despite Liverpool’s attempts to sell, Neville believes the fact that United are on the market makes it difficult for Liverpool to get an attractive buyer.
Even though, there could be an argument to be had that currently Liverpool are functioning better both on and off the pitch with their infrastructure and recent success, however, the sheer size and commercial appeal of United means that if they get the ownership right, then they can eclipse Liverpool in a heartbeat.
“Liverpool are in a better position on and off the pitch at the moment, but you cannot deny the scale of Manchester United.
“When you look at commercial revenues, Manchester United as an asset are a better buy.
“I think the owner will think if Manchester United get it right on and off the pitch and Liverpool get it right on and off the pitch, Manchester United will be bigger.”
