Former Manchester United goalkeeper has defended the Glazer family's ownership of the Red Devils despite the open criticism from fans over the years.
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Glazers' criticism at Man Utd continuesINEOS sorting financial mess at Old TraffordHoward defends Glazer family from criticismFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The United States-based Glazer family took over majority ownership of Manchester United in 2005 and had a good start to life as Sir Alex Ferguson's leadership helped the Red Devils continue their dominance on the field and aided their reputation among fans. However, following the coach's departure, the Red Devils' struggles have opened the Glazers to criticism for their 'un-serious' ownership.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
In 2023, the Glazers completed a minority sale of their shares to British multinational conglomerate INEOS, who have taken over the sporting department at Manchester United. However, the Glazers' criticism at Old Trafford has increased since then as the Sir Jim Ratcliffe-led INEOS have undertaken a number of cost-cutting solutions to improve the Red Devils' dire financial situation. However, USMNT and ex-United goalkeeper Howard has now defended the Glazer family by claiming that they 'have the right to run' the club 'any way' they want.
Getty Images SportWHAT HOWARD SAID
Speaking to beIN Sports, Howard said: "I think they have spent money for Manchester United in certain places and, like, ultimately the criticism of the ownership from fans – of any club but if you look at Manchester United – it is oftentimes one-sided.
"The Glazers own the football club, and that, in turn, is a business. What I've always said, because I am the owner of a football club, is that when you spend your billions to own a business, then you have the right to run it in any way you want.
"Now that will ultimately prove good or bad business, for sure, but you have the right to run it the way you want and along with that comes criticism. But everyone understands that. I think they have spent, and I think you can take it a step further and look at other clubs. Everton are a mess, not because they haven't spent. They have spent a lot of money. In fact so much so they got docked points because of PSR.
"So I think the Glazers are spending money. When you look at the squad and the amount of money that was paid for the likes of Sancho and Ronaldo and all these players, the money was spent. Was it spent wisely? Well, I'm not sure the Glazers make those decisions. So there are other parts of that question that need to be answered."
WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?
The Red Devils' struggles have continued, and if reports are to be believed, INEOS have plans to increase the shareholding at Manchester United and take over the majority ownership from the Glazers. However, the move is likely to take a few more years at the least.
