Michael Owen Defends Glazers Amid Potential Manchester United Sale Rumors
Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen has come to the defense of the Glazer family amidst swirling speculation about a potential sale of the club after their 20-year tenure. The American owners acquired Manchester United in 2005, initially enjoying success during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign. However, since Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, the club has struggled to maintain its status, falling behind rivals like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City.
Recent reports have suggested that a significant takeover could be on the horizon, with Saudi chief Turki Al-Sheikh hinting on social media about a deal being in advanced stages for new investment. He expressed hope that any new owner would be an improvement over the current management, which many fans hold responsible for the club’s decline.
The Glazers are reportedly asking for over £5 billion to relinquish control, with interest from a consortium in the Middle East. Despite the high-profile signings of stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba, and Jadon Sancho, the team has faced challenges on the pitch, with fans expressing frustration over the lack of league titles since Ferguson’s departure.
In an exclusive interview with GB News, Owen emphasized the complexity of managing a football club. He noted, "Everyone likes to have someone to point the finger at, and the buck does stop with whoever’s at the top for all things off the pitch. However, all things on the pitch rest with the manager, even if the players aren’t performing well."
Owen acknowledged that running a football club is a multifaceted challenge. "It’s not as easy as everybody thinks. While many have suggested changes, the reality is that the club has already implemented numerous adjustments, and yet success remains elusive. It’s going to take time."
Since Ferguson’s exit, Manchester United has seen a revolving door of managers, including David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Erik ten Hag, and now Ruben Amorim, all of whom have faced difficulties in revitalizing the club.
In 2022, the Glazers indicated they might be open to selling for the right price but ultimately accepted a minority investment from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who now oversees football operations at Old Trafford. Ratcliffe has expressed his commitment to allowing Amorim time to establish himself, stating, "Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years." He emphasized the importance of patience in football, drawing parallels to Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, who initially struggled before finding success.
As Manchester United supporters await further developments, the future of the club remains a hot topic, with many hoping that a change in ownership could herald a new era of success.
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