Manchester United fans have ramped up their protests against the Glazer family's ownership of the club, expressing their dissatisfaction with a recent demonstration ahead of a Premier League match against Arsenal. The Glazers, who have controlled Manchester United since May 2005, also own the Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL franchise. Their acquisition of the club through a leveraged takeover has been a point of contention, as it saddled the club with over £500 million in debt. This financial burden has fueled ongoing criticism from fans.
The protest, one of the most significant since a similar event against Liverpool in May 2021, highlights growing unrest among supporters. Many believe that the financial structure of the takeover deal is responsible for the club's current debt situation. Despite the fans' persistent calls for change, the Glazers have consistently refused to sell their controlling stake.
Recent developments saw Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS Group acquiring a 27.7% stake in Manchester United in February 2024. With Ratcliffe taking charge of the day-to-day operations, there was hope for improvement. However, fans remain focused on the Glazers, whom they accuse of "slowly killing" the club.
"The club is slowly dying before our eyes, on and off the pitch and the blame lies squarely at the current ownership model,"
– Steve Crompton
The protests reflect a broader sentiment within the fan base regarding their right to express dissatisfaction. Ruben Amorim, a notable figure in football, acknowledged this sentiment.
"People have the right to protest,"
– Ruben Amorim
"I think it's a good thing to do that. It's part of our club. Everybody has a voice,"
– Ruben Amorim
Despite these demonstrations and widespread discontent, the Glazers have remained firm in their decision not to relinquish control. Fans continue to demand change, hoping that their voices will eventually lead to a resolution that aligns with their vision for the club's future.
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