The Manchester Evening News takes a look at the unpopular majority owners of Manchester United who continue to draw fierce criticism from Reds fans.
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Manchester United co-owners Avram and Joel Glazer pictured at Old Trafford
The Glazer family have been hugely controversial owners of Manchester United
(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United supporters have been unhappy with their club's owners for some time.
The Reds have been saddled with debt since the Glazer family took control of United through a leveraged buyout in 2005. They replaced Irish investors JP McManus and John Magnier as majority owners in a deal which valued the club at £790million.
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And United's debt interest payments will soar to £50m-a-year in just over two years' time, according to recent analysis from the Manchester United Supporters' Trust (MUST). The American family's ownership has led to huge fury from fans at Old Trafford, who regularly chant, 'We want Glazers out,' in protest.
But how much of United do the Glazers currently own, and what is their net worth? The Manchester Evening News takes you through all the details below...
What do the Glazer family currently own?
As of today, the Glazer family own two sports clubs; the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the NFL in Florida and a 48.9 per cent majority stake in Manchester United.
Net worth
According to Forbes, the Glazer family is estimated to have a net worth of $10billion. The 2024 list places them 44th among America's richest families.
Partial sale
British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquired a 27.7% stake in United in a $1.2bn deal at the start of 2024 after striking a deal with the Glazer family. He would be handed oversight over footballing and strategic matters at the club.
The 72-year-old amassed his fortune through founding petrochemicals giant Ineos back in 1998.
What is the Glazer's record at Manchester United?
The Glazers have come under intense scrutiny from fans for their stewardship of Manchester United.
Their leveraged acquisition in 2005 saddled the club with a hefty debt, currently estimated at around £725m. Numerous fan groups voiced their opposition to the deal back in 2005, arguing that the Glazers would syphon off funds from the club for their own business ventures.
The peak of these protests occurred in 2021 when a number of supporters breached barriers and invaded the pitch at Old Trafford.
In the same year, the Reds' owners pledged their support to the ill-fated European Super League project, which would have included United with Joel Glazer serving as the competition's vice-chairman.
Since the retirement of legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, United have failed to win the Premier League or Champions League. Their trophy haul has included one Europa League, two FA Cups and two League Cups.