Shock claim as PIF ‘could dispose of Newcastle United and buy Manchester United’

Newcastle United’s owners could consider selling the Magpies before making an offer for Premier League rivals Manchester United.

The Red Devils were recently put up for sale by the Glazer family, who are looking to bring an end to their controversial 17-year ownership at Old Trafford. There was severe criticism of the method of the takeover and protests against their ownership has continued throughout the years that have passed.

However, their stance on owning the club is said to have changed in recent weeks, with a club statement confirming they would consider offers and investment. It read: “The Board will consider all strategic alternatives, including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the Company. This will include an assessment of several initiatives to strengthen the club, including stadium and infrastructure redevelopment, and expansion of the club’s commercial operations on a global scale, each in the context of enhancing the long-term success of the club’s men’s, women’s and academy teams, and bringing benefits to fans and other stakeholders.”

The likes of Sir Jim Radcliffe and electrical giants Apple are said to be among the parties interested in taking control at Old Trafford - but one expert believes the Magpies’ current owners may look to throw their hats into the ring.

Simon Chadwick, professor of sport and geopolitical economy at SKEMA Business School, believes the Magpies could be at risk of being sold to allow their Saudi owners to switch their focus towards a bid for the 13-time Premier League champions.

He told The Athletic: “Newcastle United has always seemed like an opportunistic purchase and I think in essence the deal for Newcastle was sold heavily to them by intermediaries. You had a willing seller and the amount of money they paid is small change. The opportunistic purchase of Newcastle, I think, was a consequence of being kicked back by Manchester United in the first place.

“There probably will be a certain amount of disbelief amongst Saudi officials having bought Newcastle when they really wanted to buy Manchester United. They are now in a position where they could potentially buy Manchester United. I might be going out on a bit of a limb here, but it is not entirely inconceivable that they could dispose of Newcastle and buy Manchester United.”