Who Is The Real Owner Of Manchester United? The Glazer Family Explained

The Glazer family is the majority owner of Manchester United, while Sir Jim Ratcliffe is a significant minority shareholder. The late Malcolm Glazer, the father of Avram and Joel, first bought a small shareholding in United in 2003.

This initial investment marked the beginning of a gradual takeover, which culminated in the Glazer family gaining full control of the club in 2005. Their acquisition was met with mixed reactions from fans, with some welcoming the potential for increased investment while others were wary of the debt incurred by the Glazers to fund the purchase.

The Glazer family’s ownership has been a subject of ongoing debate, with fans often protesting against their perceived lack of investment in the team and the high level of debt carried by the club. Despite the controversies, the Glazers have remained at the helm of Manchester United, leading the club to several trophies, including the Premier League and the Europa League.

While Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the British billionaire, is a significant minority shareholder, he has not been directly involved in the day-to-day running of the club. He did, however, make a bid to buy Manchester United in 2023, which was ultimately unsuccessful.

Understanding the ownership structure of Manchester United is crucial for fans who want to participate in discussions about the club’s future. The ownership of the club, and the potential for changes in ownership, are often intertwined with issues like transfer spending, stadium development, and even the team’s overall performance on the pitch.