Avram Glazer's tone-deaf comments will only help Manchester United fans' push for change

Avram Glazer's recent comments comparing United to the Yankees and Cowboys have angered fans already pushing for ownership change amid the club's worst PL start in 40 years.

Manchester United fans are intensifying efforts to force a change of ownership, with Avram Glazer's recent remarks adding fuel to their campaign. Speaking at Deutsche Bank's Sports Investment Conference in September, Glazer compared United to the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys as major global brands, suggesting poor on-pitch performance won't affect the club's commercial power — echoing comments Ed Woodward made in 2018.

The comparison has provoked anger among supporters, particularly given United's current struggles: the club is experiencing its worst Premier League start in 40 years. Fans have already organised multiple protest methods, including an online campaign targeting sponsors and matchday demonstrations. During United's Europa League game against Roma on Tuesday, 3,000 green and gold balloons appeared in the Stretford End and tennis balls were thrown onto the pitch, with chants of "We want the Glazers out" heard after goals.

Historically, large-scale protests have forced the Glazers to respond — most notably after the Super League backlash in 2021, when they announced they would explore "strategic alternatives for the club", including a potential sale. However, maintaining momentum has proven difficult, with smaller demonstrations failing to generate the same pressure.