He added: "Now, you would question why they wouldn't make it public, although when they last made a process public...that of course ended with a slightly disappointing outcome, so maybe they're trying something different.

"But they're robust. They will only go when their price is met. At the end of the day, they believe, and they've said this themselves recently at a conference.

"This is a club whose brand is so robust that even if they're unsuccessful on the pitch, it makes very little difference to their commercial viability and their ability to generate revenue. As one of the Glazers was saying the other day."

Jim White interjected: "We understand that Manchester United is for sale and that the Glazers would be open to offers. What's the magic figure?"

The Glazers have proved a consistent source of frustration since their 2005 takeover. They relinquished control of football operations to Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team a little under three years ago following the British billionaire's minority takeover, but fans are now calling for both to sell up as matters on the pitch show no sign of improving.

Head coach Michael Carrick is widely expected to be sacked later this week. Carrick had been handed three matches to turn the tide following their 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth, but it appears he's failed to convince his bosses.

Mauricio Pochettino has risen to the top of the list of candidates, while the names of Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann have also been touted as potential successors to the Old Trafford dugout.