SNOW TV NEWS DESK
Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer has suggested that the club can continue to thrive financially even without winning major trophies, a position that could further frustrate supporters who believe the team’s performances should be the ownership’s biggest priority.
The 66-year-old American businessman made the remarks at Deutsche Bank’s inaugural Sports Investment Conference in London, where he discussed the relationship between sporting achievements and the commercial value of football clubs.
According to The Athletic, Glazer argued that Manchester United’s financial strength and global appeal are not necessarily dependent on winning silverware.
To support his position, he reportedly referenced American sporting franchises such as the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys, which have maintained enormous commercial value despite enduring lengthy periods without major championship success.
Glazer, whose family has been involved in Manchester United’s ownership since 2003, believes the club’s worldwide following, commercial partnerships, and brand recognition provide a strong financial foundation regardless of its performances on the pitch.
His comments reflect a business-first approach that has previously been associated with former executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward. In 2018, Woodward reportedly told investors that Manchester United’s commercial operations were largely unaffected by the team’s performances.
Despite years of sporting disappointment, United remain the world’s third most valuable football club, according to Forbes, behind Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.
However, Glazer’s comments come at a particularly sensitive time for the club. Many supporters have continued to protest against the Glazer family’s ownership, accusing the hierarchy of placing financial interests ahead of footballing success.
The frustration has been fuelled by United’s inconsistent performances and struggles to compete consistently for major honors.
The club recently ended a nine-match winless run with a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over AS Roma in the Champions League. After falling behind to goals from Matias Soule and Donyell Malen, United responded through a Bruno Fernandes penalty and two goals from Matheus Cunha.
Despite the European victory, United’s domestic situation remains troubling. They are currently separated from the Premier League relegation zone only by goal difference, increasing the pressure on manager Michael Carrick to turn the team’s fortunes around.
United are scheduled to host Aston Villa on Sunday in what could prove another important test of their recovery.
At the heart of Glazer’s comments is a distinction between running a successful business and building a successful football team. While Manchester United’s commercial value remains enormous, supporters ultimately judge the club by its performances, trophies, and ability to compete at the highest level.
For many fans, financial success without corresponding footballing success is simply not enough. The challenge facing the ownership is convincing supporters that the club’s commercial power will translate into a stronger team on the pitch.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
