Former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo has demanded that the club's current owners, the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, sell the club, insisting that Manchester United needs 'owners who love football'. The Nigerian international, who made 23 appearances for the Red Devils during a loan spell, believes the club's hierarchy prioritises business over sporting success.
Ighalo's Criticism of United's Ownership
Speaking to Al Arabiya, Ighalo did not hold back in his assessment of the club's leadership. He stated: 'Well, if you ask me, it's going to be difficult to say, you understand, but I feel they should invest more in players. They should invest more in critical positions and get owners who love football, not just owners doing business with the club.'
'You know, they need proper owners who love football, who want to win games, and who want to go out and get the right players to win games. You understand? Not just focus on the business side of it.'
The Glazer family, who took over Manchester United in 2005, have long been a target of fan protests. Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed a £1.25bn takeover in February 2024, but his tenure has also been met with criticism over sweeping redundancies and frequent managerial changes.
Support for Michael Carrick
Ighalo also voiced his support for interim manager Michael Carrick, who has revitalised the team since taking over. United have won 10 of their last 15 matches under Carrick, securing a return to the Champions League. Ighalo said: 'I believe he deserves it, you know, because before he came in, the team was not doing well. They were very shaky. It was a difficult moment, but now he has stabilised the team. The team is doing well.'
'I think he deserves to continue the good job he has done. But they have to get good players, because now it's going to be even more difficult and tougher, with Champions League games as well.'
Call for Investment in Key Areas
Ighalo emphasised the need for strategic investment in the squad. 'Manchester United is a big club and their revenue is very big, so most owners just want to do business. They should bring in top, top players and top, top quality management that can take the team to the next level and give more time to the coach.'
He added: 'Other teams will want to beat Manchester United even more next season, so I think they need three or four good players to add to the squad so they can do well in both the Champions League and the league next season.'
