Nine findings during ‘investigation’ into Man Utd owners

Joe Williams
Glazer family Ed Woodward Man Utd

A report has made nine ‘findings’ during an ‘investigation’ into the Glazer family who own Premier League side Man Utd.

The Glazers, who have six siblings on the Man Utd board, have struggled to win over the Old Trafford faithful since their takeover of the club in 2005.

Following the takeover, some disgruntled fans showed their displeasure by breaking away to create F.C. United of Manchester after critics complained that the Glazers were saddling the club with huge debts after being debt-free for so long.


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As recently as this January, supporters were planning to show their discontent towards the Glazer ownership and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward by walking out of Old Trafford in the 58th minute of United’s home game on February 1 against Wolves.

And now The Athletic have launched a probe into the American owners to lift the lid on their money and time in charge.

The Athletic‘s ‘findings include’:

  • ‘The Glazers have personally received close to £200 million from the club since spending £270 million in the £790 million leveraged takeover
  • ‘Their lucrative commercial strategy was a drastic change of course for United upon their arrival, prompting executive departures, but has since been copied by other clubs
  • ‘United nearly signed Etihad Airways as a shirt sponsor before the airline became ubiquitous at Manchester City
  • ‘Although six Glazer siblings sit on the board, Joel is the “big boss” and spends eight hours a day working on United from his Washington DC office, which has a huge picture of George Best hanging on the wall
  • ‘Joel only sanctions signings after being convinced of their value and has confidence Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is building a squad for success
  • ‘The Glazers want to be in charge of United for a long time, with sources saying they were only prepared to offer Saudi Arabia a 20 per cent stake during talks last year
  • ‘The owners originally wanted to rebuild Old Trafford when they took over but it is believed they think a full revamp now doesn’t make financial sense
  • ‘There are very few potential buyers in the world who could afford what the Glazers would demand
  • ‘The Glazers’ ownership has cost the club £1.5 billion in interest, debt and other outgoings.’

 

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