Sports
Manchester United owners ‘didn’t want club to win trophies’ – new shocking report reveals
A new report has surfaced claiming that the Glazers ownership at Manchester United harbored a secret agenda: they allegedly ‘did not want’ Manchester United to win trophies due to the bonuses that they would be forced to pay players.
But hold onto your seats, folks, as seismic changes are on the horizon for the Red Devils in the next twelve months.
With the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a figure with a passion deeply ingrained in the club’s DNA, the landscape at Old Trafford is poised for a revolution.
Ratcliffe’s recent acquisition of a 25% stake in United, while falling short of a complete takeover, signals a new era for the club.
Teaming up with the Glazers, Ratcliffe is primed to elevate United’s stature both on and off the field, with a laser focus on the beautiful game itself.
As the summer transfer window looms large, anticipation mounts for a flurry of blockbuster signings. Ratcliffe is expected to orchestrate a major reshuffle at Old Trafford during the summer transfer window, with marquee signings anticipated and fringe stars set to be offloaded to create space for fresh faces.
A cut-throat approach is anticipated, with reports previously speculating that Erik ten Hag could be one of the first on the chopping block at the Theatre of Dreams.
As the summer transfer window looms large, anticipation mounts for a flurry of blockbuster signings. Ratcliffe is expected to orchestrate a major reshuffle at Old Trafford during the summer transfer window, with marquee signings anticipated and fringe stars set to be offloaded to create space for fresh faces.
A cut-throat approach is anticipated, with reports previously speculating that Erik ten Hag could be one of the first on the chopping block at the Theatre of Dreams.
Given how United have significantly underperformed over the past few years despite immense investment in new signings, the news of drastic changes at Old Trafford will be music to the ears of supporters.
Ratcliffe will be keen to change the mentality of United within the team and in the boardroom, and the size of his task has been underlined by a recent report from ESPN. Sources told the news outlet that the Red Devils’ struggles began in 2009 when Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo were sold for mammoth fees and not replaced adequately.
Antonio Valencia, Gabriel Obertan, Michael Owen and Mame Biram Diouf were signed to try and fill the void left by the departures, which raised eyebrows internally. However, the Glazers were said to not be fearful of the consequences as they ‘did not want to win trophies’.
A member of staff at United told ESPN: “United won nothing the year after Ronaldo and Tevez left. But the word around the club was that the Glazers weren’t too concerned because no trophies meant they didn’t have to pay big bonuses to the players.
“Being in the Champions League was what mattered, rather than actually winning it.”
The significant claim only highlights further the importance of Ratcliffe’s purchase and improves the club’s hopes of heading in a more positive direction going forward.
United may not be back in the Champions League next season however unless they can produce a consistent run of Premier League form between now and the end of May.
Everything you need to know about the Glazers
Who are the Glazers?
Joel Glazer: Joel is one of the six children of Malcolm Glazer and serves as the co-chairman of Manchester United alongside his brother, Avram Glazer. He has been heavily involved in the club’s operations and decision-making since the Glazer family’s takeover in 2005.
Joel has faced criticism from some Manchester United fans for his perceived lack of understanding of English football culture and for prioritizing commercial interests over on-field success.
Avram Glazer: Avram is another son of Malcolm Glazer and serves as the co-chairman of Manchester United alongside his brother, Joel Glazer.
Avram was previously involved in the day-to-day operations of the club and played a prominent role in the Glazers’ acquisition of Manchester United. Like Joel, Avram has faced criticism from fans for his involvement in the club’s ownership.
Bryan Glazer: Bryan is also one of Malcolm Glazer’s sons and serves as a director of Manchester United. While less publicly visible in the club’s affairs compared to his brothers Joel and Avram, Bryan is part of the family’s ownership group and plays a role in the overall management of the club.
When did the Glazers buy Man Utd?
The Glazer family first bought shares in Manchester United in March 2003 before steadily increasing their ownership.
The family bought 2.9% control of the Red Devils for £9m before upping their stake to 15% by the end of the year and 30% by October 2004.
May 2005 then saw the Glazers secure full ownership of Manchester United as they bought John Magnier and McManus out.
How much did the Glazers pay for Manchester United?
It ultimately cost them around £800m to buy the club. However, it is now estimated that the Glazer’s takeover cost Manchester United more than £1bn in interest and additional fees.
The family financed their purchase of the Old Trafford side using loans secured against the club’s assets. It also loaded the club with a lot of debt.
The Glazers net worth
According to Forbes, the Glazer family held a net worth of almost $6bn (£5bn) as of 2022.
By owning the Tampa Bay Buccaneers alongside Manchester United, the family also owns one of the most valuable sports empires. It had them as the eighth-most valuable group at the time.
What’s the Glazers’ religion?
The religious affiliation of the Glazer family, particularly the Glazer brothers who are involved in the ownership and management of Manchester United, is not widely discussed or publicly known.
The Glazers have not made any public statements regarding their religious beliefs or affiliations, and such information is considered private.
How did the Glazers make their money?
The Glazer family made their fortune primarily through their business ventures in real estate, shopping centres, and professional sports franchises. Their wealth has been accumulated over several decades through a combination of strategic investments and acquisitions.
One of the key sources of the Glazers’ wealth is their ownership and operation of shopping centres and commercial real estate properties in the United States. They have built a significant portfolio of shopping malls and retail properties, generating substantial income through leasing and property management.
Additionally, the Glazers have been involved in professional sports ownership, particularly in the National Football League (NFL). They acquired the Tampa Bay Buccaneers franchise in 1995, which has been a profitable venture for the family.
However, their most notable acquisition in the sports world was ultimately, Manchester United, which has enhanced their wealth to new dizzying heights.
Why do fans hate the Glazers?
The Glazer family’s ownership of Manchester United has been a subject of controversy and debate among fans, with some expressing discontent over the club’s financial policies, lack of investment in player transfers, and perceived focus on commercial interests at the expense of on-field success.
There was a constant timeline of protests from loyal Manchester United supporters opposed to the Glazer family ownership. Some supporters even got a game against Liverpool postponed in April 2021.
Supports half-got their wish with the appointment of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS – but the Glazers remain an ever-present force around Old Trafford to this day.