Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer has insisted that the club’s financial value does not rely on success in football, drawing comparisons with some of the biggest sporting franchises in the United States.
Glazer made the remarks while addressing attendees at Deutsche Bank’s inaugural Sports Investment Conference in London.
The event took place in September, but his comments have only recently emerged.
During a discussion about United’s disappointing performances and the relationship between sporting achievements and commercial growth, an audience member questioned whether the club’s struggles on the pitch could affect its financial prospects.
According to The Athletic, Glazer responded by comparing Manchester United with the Dallas Cowboys and New York Yankees, arguing that major sporting brands can remain commercially successful without regularly winning major competitions.
The Cowboys last won the Super Bowl in 1996, while the Yankees’ most recent World Series triumph came in 2009.
Manchester United’s Financial Strength Despite Poor Results
United have not won the Premier League since 2013, when Sir Alex Ferguson left his managerial position.
The club’s decline in domestic football has coincided with growing dissatisfaction among supporters over the Glazer family’s ownership.
Despite their struggles, the club has continued to generate substantial commercial income, with revenue increasing considerably over the years.
Manchester United recorded commercial revenue of £152 million during the 2012-13 season.
That figure increased to £276 million in 2017-18 before reaching £317 million in 2025-26.
Glazer’s position reflects the belief that United’s international following, commercial partnerships and established reputation provide financial strength beyond their performances in competitions.
However, the club has lost ground to rivals in independent valuations.
United Lose Ground in Global Club Valuations
Forbes ranked Manchester United as the world’s third most valuable football club in May, placing them behind Real Madrid and Barcelona.
That represented a decline from the previous year’s rankings, when only Real Madrid were valued ahead of the English side.
United previously occupied the top position in the rankings, holding the distinction from 2007 to 2012 and again as recently as 2018.
The club’s reduced financial standing comes despite its continued global recognition and commercial appeal.
Manchester United’s Debt Continues to Concern Supporters
The Glazer family’s financial management remains a major source of frustration among Manchester United supporters.
The family acquired the club in 2005 through a leveraged takeover involving borrowed money, leaving United with substantial debt obligations.
The club’s total debt stood at £689 million in June, representing an increase of £52 million compared with the previous year.
The figures have continued to attract criticism from supporters who have repeatedly questioned the ownership structure and its financial implications for the club.
Although British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos team became minority owners in February 2024, the Glazer brothers, Avram and Joel, remain influential in major financial decisions, including budgets.
Ineos has assumed responsibility for football operations and related sporting decisions.
Manchester United’s Relegation Concerns Add to Pressure
United’s difficulties on the pitch have further intensified scrutiny of the ownership.
The club sat 17th in the Premier League ahead of Sunday’s home fixture against Aston Villa, leaving them dangerously close to the relegation zone.
Although relegation remains an unlikely outcome, dropping out of the top flight would have serious financial implications for the club.
The situation has added to concerns about the direction of Manchester United under its current ownership arrangement.
Supporters Intensify Protests Against the Glazers
Glazer’s comments have emerged amid renewed demonstrations against the family’s continued involvement at Old Trafford.
Before United’s Champions League victory over Roma on Tuesday night, approximately 2,000 green and gold balloons were released inside the Stretford End.
The colours have long been associated with protests against the Glazer ownership.
Supporters also threw tennis balls towards the pitch during the demonstration.
Discontent has intensified in recent weeks as United’s performances and results have deteriorated.
Fans have also expressed frustration with the summer transfer window, believing manager Michael Carrick was left short of the reinforcements available to rival clubs.
Protesters have increasingly directed their criticism towards the Glazers, football director Jason Wilcox and Ineos, with chants demanding that those in control sell the club and leave.
The atmosphere at Old Trafford also included a loud rendition of ‘Stand Up If You Hate Glazers’ before United’s players produced an unexpected victory to keep their Champions League qualification hopes alive.
Glazer’s Remarks Deepen Questions Over Club Ownership
The comments attributed to Glazer have reinforced existing concerns among supporters about the family’s priorities at Manchester United.
Many fans believe the ownership places greater emphasis on financial performance than on restoring the club’s position among Europe‘s leading football teams.
His comparison with American sporting franchises has also emerged against the backdrop of United’s growing debt and declining position in global club valuations.
While Glazer’s remarks were delivered at a conference attended by financiers and investors, they have added to the ongoing debate surrounding the relationship between the club’s commercial strength, footballing ambitions and ownership structure.
