Glazer Family Marks 20 Years Controlling Manchester United Amid Fan Backlash

The Glazer family's controversial takeover of Manchester United began in May 2005, involving significant debt financing that burdened the club with annual interest repayments of £62 million. Despite fan protests and widespread criticism, the Glazers maintained control, owning the majority of shares and influencing club decisions, including commercial operations and board voting. Over their 20 years of ownership, they have invested over £2 billion in transfers, with early signings like goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar proving instrumental in the club’s successes under Sir Alex Ferguson. However, recent seasons have seen declining on-pitch performance, including an eighth-place Premier League finish in 2023/24 and concerns over further decline, even with new minority stakeholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS involved. The Glazers continue to wield significant influence, supported by a chairman’s council and their appointed executives, though many fans remain dissatisfied due to the club's financial structure and sporting results. With a key summer transfer window approaching under new manager Ruben Amorim, further investment is anticipated to reverse the club's fortunes.