Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer has said the club’s commercial performance is not meaningfully dependent on results on the pitch, as Michael Carrick’s side struggles near the bottom of the Premier League.
Speaking at Deutsche Bank’s inaugural Sports Investment Conference in London, Glazer argued that globally recognised sporting brands could continue to attract substantial business during periods without sustained success.
“Playing performance doesn’t really have a meaningful impact on what we can do on the commercial side of the business,” he said.
Avram Glazer comments draw attention during difficult United season
Glazer was asked about the relationship between sporting results and global brand value. He cited Major League Baseball’s New York Yankees and the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys as examples of major franchises that have continued to generate significant revenues despite extended periods without winning major honours.
As co-owner of both Manchester United and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Glazer said top-level sports properties remained valuable businesses regardless of their position in a domestic league.
The remarks are likely to intensify existing criticism of the Glazer family among Manchester United supporters. The family’s leveraged takeover of the club in 2005 has been followed by sustained opposition, with fans accusing the owners of placing dividends, debt payments and commercial activity ahead of footballing success.
Glazer’s comments also echo previous remarks associated with former executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, reinforcing the perception among some supporters that the club is being viewed primarily as a financial asset rather than a football team.
Manchester United remain 17th in the Premier League
The timing of the comments comes as United endure a troubled start to the 2026/27 campaign. Carrick’s side have taken seven points from their opening nine Premier League matches and sit 17th, outside the relegation places only on goal difference.
United recently ended a nine-match winless run with a dramatic 3-2 Champions League victory over Roma, but their domestic position remains a serious concern and has increased scrutiny of the club’s leadership.
Opposition to the Glazer family has persisted for more than two decades. Protests at Old Trafford, the green-and-gold movement and the creation of FC United of Manchester in 2005 have all reflected the depth of supporter dissatisfaction.
Although Glazer’s view may reflect the resilience of Manchester United’s commercial brand, it is unlikely to ease tensions with fans while the team remains close to the relegation zone. For supporters, the club’s success continues to be judged primarily by performances, league position and trophies rather than revenue alone.
