Avram Glazer has reportedly told investors that Manchester United's commercial power is not dependent on on-pitch results, despite the club's struggles and growing supporter anger towards its owners. The United co-owner made the comments at Deutsche Bank's inaugural Sports Investment Conference in London in September, addressing an audience of financiers.
Glazer is said to have compared United with the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys, arguing that both remain major global brands despite a lack of sporting success in recent years. His remarks, according to The Athletic, underline his confidence in United's commercial appeal at a time when performances have put the club's leadership under scrutiny.
United's first win in 10 matches
United secured their first win in 10 matches on Tuesday night, coming from 2-0 down to beat Roma 3-2 in the Champions League and ease some of the pressure on manager Michael Carrick. But the comeback did not silence opposition to the ownership.
Supporters chanted against the Glazers, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and club executives, having also protested during Premier League defeats against Bournemouth and Chelsea. Around 3,000 green and gold balloons were released before kick-off against Roma, while tennis balls were thrown onto the pitch with United trailing 2-0. Chants of "We want the Glazers out" continued after the comeback and at the final whistle.
INEOS seeks buyers for Lausanne-Sport and Nice
While the Glazers have been offering assurances about United's brand, Ratcliffe's INEOS is seeking to sell another club in its football portfolio: Lausanne-Sport. The Swiss side were Ratcliffe's first move into sports ownership when he took over in November 2017. But a prospectus has now reportedly been circulated to potential buyers, with consultancy Alvarez and Marsal tasked with finding a buyer.
The five-page document describes Lausanne as having "a unique infrastructure set-up" and "an asset-light model". It also bills them as "an established top-flight contender", pointing to their seven Swiss league titles and nine Swiss cup wins. However, Lausanne sit bottom of the Swiss Super League after five consecutive league defeats and have been relegated twice under INEOS' ownership. They are expected to lose around £5million this year and do not own their stadium or training ground.
INEOS has also been trying to sell French club Nice, which it bought in 2019, and has reduced its £209.5m asking price after failing to secure a buyer. The Lausanne sale effort forms part of a wider scaling-back of INEOS' sporting interests. The company cut ties with Sir Ben Ainslie's sailing team in January 2025, while sponsorship deals with New Zealand rugby and Tottenham were also stopped.
INEOS remains committed to United
INEOS remains committed to United, where it took control of football operations following Ratcliffe's minority investment. But cost-cutting measures, including hundreds of staff job losses, have added to scrutiny of his leadership alongside the Glazers.
