Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer has reportedly claimed that clubs of Manchester United's stature do not have to rely on sporting success to generate huge commercial revenue, sparking fury among supporters.
Glazer made the remarks during a rare public appearance as a speaker at the inaugural Deutsche Bank Sports Investment Conference in London back in September, according to The Athletic.
Comparisons to Yankees and Cowboys
Glazer reportedly drew comparisons between Manchester United and Major League Baseball (MLB) giants the New York Yankees, plus NFL powerhouses the Dallas Cowboys.
The Yankees have not lifted baseball's major honour, the World Series, since 2009, with the Cowboys' Super Bowl drought dating back to 1995.
Despite the long waits for glory, both franchises are among the most successful teams in their respective sports. The Yankees' 27 titles are the most World Series wins by any team by some distance, while the Cowboys' five Super Bowl victories sit behind only the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots.
Fan backlash and protests
Although Manchester United have won multiple cup competitions following Sir Alex Ferguson's departure, since 2013 they have failed to lift the most direct comparison to a World Series or Super Bowl - the Premier League title.
Glazer's comments have been construed by some angry fans on social media as an acceptance of poor results on the pitch, as long as revenues remain high.
Fans have ramped up their protests against Manchester United's owners - majority shareholders the Glazer family, as well as minority stakeholders INEOS, who control the club's sporting operations and are fronted by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
During Tuesday night's 3-2 victory over Roma, supporters tossed tennis balls from the Stretford End onto the pitch, causing a brief delay in play. Around 4,000 green and gold balloons were also released ahead of kick-off at Old Trafford.
