Manchester United owners Bryan, Joel and Avram Glazer were filmed in the tunnel congratulating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after their NFL victory against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. The trio and their three siblings’ unpopularity among the United fanbase is partly fuelled by their lack of presence on this side of the Atlantic.
United supporters’ disliking of the Glazers is built on the controversial fashion of their 2005 buyout and the fact they have plunged the club into over £1billion of debt during their 18-year reign.
The American family’s lack of investment in the stadium and training facilities is another central point of criticism, overseeing the club’s infrastructure falling behind their rivals in the last decade.
But another prominent frustration is their inability to communicate to the fanbase and figures inside the club about their decisions and plans for the future.
The Glazers aren’t exactly welcome at Old Trafford, but their standard absence from the directors’ box also makes them targets of fierce contempt.
Avram Glazer attended the United men’s Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals and the women’s FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium last season.
However, Joel Glazer hasn’t attended a match at Old Trafford since United lost 1-0 to Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals in April 2019.
Click here to join our WhatsApp community to be the first to receive breaking and exclusive Man Utd news.
The Glazers haven’t been shy in investing in their other sporting project, NFL franchise Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which hasn’t helped their reputation in M16.
And given the siblings are based on the east coast of the United States – in New York, Washington and Florida – they are spotted at Bucs games far more regularly.
On Sunday, the Buccaneers earned a surprise victory against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, winning 34-20.
Footage later emerged on X (formerly Twitter) showing Bryan Glazer, Joel and Avram in a jubilant mood and getting right in and amongst their victorious players.
The trio reportedly congratulated every Bucs player, coach, front office member and staff member after watching their third consecutive win – beating the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons earlier this month.
And they saved a particularly warm reception for the Buccaneers’ head coach, Todd Bowles, a face-to-face appreciation Ten Hag largely went without during his successful first season in charge of United.
The Glazers have been described as owners of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but investors in Manchester United Football Club. That’s why so many were desperate for their strategic review to result in a full sale.
However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have had to settle for a 25 per cent stake for now. Many will hold out hope that their imminent investment will lead to a phased takeover.
