The Glazers are part owners of Manchester United and have a long, tailored history with the Red Devils.
Their history with the club has affected everything from the manager and the coaching staff, to the first-team squad at Carrington.
Alongside Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the American family are owners of one of the biggest sporting franchises the world has to offer – but aren’t exactly painted in glory.
Here is absolutely everything you need to know about the Glazers.
- READ MORE: Manchester United’s Takeover Timeline as it happened
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.
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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 Man Utd
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? Are they Jewish?
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.
Who owned Manchester United before the Glazers?
Before the Glazer family’s acquisition in 2005, Manchester United was publicly traded company listed on the London Stock Exchange. The club was majority-owned by shareholders who held shares in the company.
The most prominent shareholder was the Irish businessman J.P. (John) Magnier and his business partner J.P. McManus, who together owned a significant stake in the club through their investment vehicle, Cubic Expression.
Prior to Magnier and McManus’s ownership, Manchester United was publicly traded, and ownership was distributed among various shareholders. Notable figures such as Martin Edwards, a former chairman of the club, and other investors held significant stakes in United before the Glazers’ takeover.
The club’s ownership structure underwent significant changes over the years, with various individuals and entities holding stakes in the club. However, it wasn’t until the Glazer family’s acquisition in 2005 that Manchester United became privately owned by the Glazers through their investment vehicle, Red Football Ltd.
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.
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