The Glazer family bought Manchester United 20 years ago, and, despite the controversy since then, club icon Roy Keane once ever gave him a substantial amount.
Former captain of Manchester United Roy Keane once admitted that he benefited financially from the acquisition of the club of the Glazer family. American ownership is a controversial issue among fans since they took over the club 20 years ago.
In his 2014 autobiography, the second half, Keane wrote his smart idea to grab shares in United as part of his contract, which means that he saw a small fortune on his way thanks to the acquisition of the Red Devils by the family.
“From the point of view of players it didn't bother us too much,” wrote Keane, 53. “I had a few shares in the club as part of my contract. So the glazers that came in were worth a few Bob for me”.
The glazers are now approaching for two decades at the helm of United, after they have taken over the club of Irish shareholders John Magnier and JP McManus for £ 790 million on 12 May 2005. Initially with an interest of 57 percent, they only raised it to 75 percent a few days later.
Despite the early successes of the team under their property, including five Premier League titles, the 2008 Champions League, two FA Cups, Six League Cups, the Europa League and FIFA World Club Cup, fans have expressed their concern that the Glazers drain the resources of the club.
Their term of office is marred by fan protests and widespread dissatisfaction with their management of the club. And the situation reached a head in 2022.
Their regime at the helm of United seemed to look like the edge in November of that year when they announced that the club was for sale. Keane greeted the move at that time as “good news” and criticized the family for prioritizing things over their report with the supporters.
However, the plot took a turn when Sir Jim Ratcliffe instead acquired a share of minority of 25 percent, so that the Americans were left in the post, but with Ratcliffe and his Ineos team control over football activities. The financial misery of United, however, has existed, with debt mounting and job reductions a regularity under the time of Ratcliffe.
Although Keane may have benefited from the first sale, he has since been pronounced about his disapproval of the current management of United. In October 2024 he complained about the transformation of the club on the stick to football podcast.
“United was always about good people and good characters, but I don't see that now. I don't recognize this team, I don't recognize the club,” he said.
“They chop and change and get rid of everyone in the background, which is fine, there is a business side, we know that. But if we discuss Man United, it is more a company than a football club”.
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