Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer has stated that the club's value is not dependent on success on the pitch, drawing comparisons to other major sports franchises like the Dallas Cowboys and New York Yankees. Glazer made these remarks at Deutsche Bank's inaugural Sports Investment Conference in London.
He addressed questions regarding Manchester United's underperformance and its link to commercial success, asserting that the club's global brand and history shield its commercial revenue from significant fluctuations. Glazer pointed to teams such as the Cowboys, who have not won a Super Bowl since 1996, and the Yankees, whose last World Series title was in 2009, as examples of franchises that maintain value despite on-pitch struggles.
Manc hester United, who have not won the Premier League since 2013, are currently 17th in the league standings. Despite recent on-pitch difficulties, the club's commercial revenue has seen an increase, rising from £152 million in the 2012-13 season to £317 million in 2025-26, according to reports.
Forbes ranked Manchester United as the third most valuable club in May, behind Real Madrid and Barcelona, a slight decrease from previous years when they held higher positions on the list. However, the club's significant debt remains a point of contention for supporters. As of June, the total debt stood at £689 million.
Glazer's comments have reportedly reinforced the views of many fans who believe the ownership group is more focused on financial performance than sporting achievement. Protests against the Glazer ownership, utilizing green and gold colors associated with anti-Glazer sentiments, have been visible at matches. The recent involvement of INEOS, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe dictating football decisions since February 2024, has seen them become minority owners, though Avram and Joel Glazer continue to influence budget and key decisions.