Glazer family told they’re ‘tone deaf’ over £317m claim as Man United owner gives rare interview

Avram Glazer has been slammed for claiming that Manchester United are not reliant on sporting success for their commercial power. Speaking in September, in quotes which have only just emerged, the Red Devils’ co-owner argued that his club’s value is insulated from on-field losses, like the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys. The Yankees remain the biggest name in baseball, winning the World Series 27 times (16 more than their nearest rivals), but their last triumph came in 2009. Meanwhile, the Cowboys, whose five Super Bowl rings are only behind the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers (both six) across the NFL, haven’t lifted the trophy since 1995. Despite their drought, the Cowboys have ranked as the most valuable sports team in the world by Forbes for the past decade. Jerry Jones’ side reached a record $17 billion valuation in 2026 , 25 per cent more than the NFL’s second-most-valuable franchise. Meanwhile, the Yankees are still regarded as the most valuable franchise in major league baseball at $8.5bn. Avram Glazer says Man United are not reliant on sporting success According to The Athletic, Glazer told an audience of financiers at Deutsche Bank’s inaugural Sports Investment Conference in London that Man United’s value is protected from on-field results as a major global brand in the same way. The report adds that the American’s remarks are to show the Red Devils as the most appealing investment prospect possible, as he keeps an open mind on market opportunities. However, the truth has shown that Man United, who last claimed the Premier League title in 2013, have seen income plateau recently. The Old Trafford outfit reported commercial revenue of £317m for the 2025/26 financial year (down £16m from the previous 12 months). Man United, which ranked top of Forbes list of most-valuable football clubs in 2017 and 2018, have now slipped to third in 2026. The English giants are said to be worth $7.2bn (up from $6.6bn) but have been leapfrogged by Barcelona ($5.65bn in 2025 to $7.5bn). Real Madrid were also previously just ahead of Man United at $6.75bn 12 months ago, but have now skyrocketed to $9.5bn this year. In January, Michael Carrick’s side also dropped out of the top five in the Deloitte Money League for the first time in their history. But Man United were able to flex their status as a sponsorship superpower by signing a record-breaking deal exceeding £10 million with Amazon Prime to feature in an All or Nothing series. Glazer’s comments came in September, ahead of the club’s latest crisis that saw manager Carrick on the brink of the sack . ‘The comments are tone deaf’ On Tuesday, Man United fans interrupted the dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Roma with a protest against the club’s ownership . It was their first win in ten matches , but United remain 17th in the table – only outside of the relegation zone on goal difference. Chief football correspondent Alex Crook told talkSPORT: “The comments are absolutely tone deaf at a time when United have made their worst start to a season in more than 40 years. “Sadly, it is not a surprise coming from this treacherous ownership group. “Their greed has turned United from an all-conquering team renowned and feared the world over to also-rans. “Nothing will change all the time Old Trafford is full, and the cash machines at the megastore are still ringing.” Gabby Agbonlahor added while speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast: “If you’re not winning trophies, you’re going to lose fans, aren’t you? “You’re not going to gain extra fans…If I’m a Manchester United fan, I’m saying, ‘No, I want to win, I want to win games.’ “‘I want to win games of football, I want to see success, I want to get back to winning Champions Leagues, Premier Leagues.’ “So to hear that from one of your owners just sums them up, doesn’t it?”