Debate Erupts Among Glazers Over Selling Manchester United Stake After 20 Years
Some members of the Glazer family are reportedly debating whether to sell their stake in Manchester United, more than two decades into their ownership. This news, reported by Bloomberg on Wednesday, follows a significant increase in the club's New York-listed shares, which climbed seven percent in extended trading. Stakeholders within the US-based billionaire family are exploring the possibility of divesting part or all of their holdings. Initial talks have centered on individual family members attempting to persuade others to join them in this decision. Neither Manchester United nor the Glazer family have responded to requests for comment regarding this matter. These deliberations come over two years after the family sold a roughly 29 percent stake to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chairman of Ineos Group, granting him control over football operations. Despite retaining majority ownership, the Glazer family has faced intense criticism from supporters for burdening the club with significant debt, excessive player spending, and neglecting infrastructure investments. Since Ratcliffe's involvement, he has implemented cost-cutting measures to revitalize United's fortunes, including job cuts and ticket price increases, both of which have received heavy fan scrutiny. In February, hundreds of United supporters, many wearing clown masks, marched on Old Trafford to protest against the club’s ownership, likening its management under the Glazer family and Ratcliffe to a circus. Despite ongoing struggles to recapture the glory days under Sir Alex Ferguson, the club managed to secure a Champions League berth for the first time in two seasons, finishing in third place this term under Michael Carrick.
Source: The Independent Sport - 2026-06-04