Avram Glazer has hesitated to comment on Sir Jim Ratcliffe's work at Manchester United (Image: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images.)
Business magnate Avram Glazer was reluctant to discuss Sir Jim Ratcliffe's handling of Manchester United to date amid the widespread woes at Old Trafford. The club was in a precarious position when Ratcliffe, 72, bought a minority stake last year, but the club have since suffered more problems on and off the pitch.
The Red Devils are languishing in 15th in the table in what's been their worst Premier League season on record. That's despite severing ties with Erik ten Hag and appointing Ruben Amorim as head coach at great expense.
Article continues belowADVERTISEMENT
Sky News approached majority shareholder Glazer on Wednesday as he grudgingly dismissed any notion of selling his family's shares in the club. When asked by the reporter in question whether he was considering "selling up," Glazer gave a frustrated "no" as his answer.
And he was even less willing to comment on Ratcliffe's contribution so far when asked if the British billionaire had "made things a lot worse." The journalist also pointed out to Glazer: "He seems to be getting the blame, not you."
"I'm on my way to see the President right now," came Glazer's short reply. "I don't think it's appropriate to talk about it right now."
It's perhaps revealing that Avram – the eldest child of late United owner Malcolm Glazer – chose not to express any views on Ratcliffe's work so far. Others might seize such a chance to support their colleague and reaffirm confidence in their talents, but none of that was evident in his efforts to get away.
United's co-chairman remained tight-lipped following the release of the club's financial results for the fourth quarter of 2024 on Wednesday, which painted a rather bleak picture. The Red Devils are still grappling with a debt exceeding £1billion, and their on-pitch performances continue to disappoint.
Glazer – known for being reserved with the media – offered no surprises during the brief interview while walking. However, his silence may not be a coincidence as the new face of the club, Ratcliffe, has been drawing criticism away, especially after the Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) slammed the "decade or more of mismanagement."
Since Ratcliffe's takeover in 2024, approximately 250 staff members have been laid off, with rumours suggesting up to 200 more cuts are imminent. This has only fuelled the belief that the club's new hierarchy is as disconnected from its fanbase as the old – if not more so.
Trending
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Ratcliffe and Ineos chief Dave Brailsford have struggled to change course at Old Trafford (Image: Getty)
Nonetheless, Glazer might find some solace in the fact Ineos is now in the firing line. The financial statements also disclosed that United shelled out £10.4m to dismiss Ten Hag and his coaching team shortly after they were handed new contracts, on top of the £4.1m spent on hiring and firing former sporting director Dan Ashworth.
With immense pressure on Ratcliffe and Ineos to reverse the club's fortunes, an endorsement from fellow investor Glazer could be beneficial to present a united front. However, supporters are left questioning if the same issues will persist, irrespective of who is at the helm.
