Who Are The Manchester United Owners

Manchester United Ownership History: From Origins to Present Day

A Legacy of Glory
Manchester United stands as one of the most prominent and successful names in the international soccer arena. On account of a glorious past and immense clientele, the club has won 20 league titles, 13 FA Cups, 6 EFL Cups, and, amazingly so far, 21 Community Shields-a greater number as compared to any other club. On the European front, United has been victorious on 3 occasions in the UEFA Champions League and once in the UEFA Europa League title. Valued at $6 billion in 2023, United is ranked as the second-most valuable football club just behind Real Madrid. A glorious past notwithstanding, recent years have been turbulent on and off the sport.

Early Ownership and Evolution
When Manchester United began in 1902, the club was saved from extinction by a consortium led by John Henry Davies, who then became the club's first president. Numerous crucial figures were in command through the years:

Owner Tenure

John Henry Davies 1902–1927
James W. Gibson 1931–1951
Harold Hardman 1951–1965
Louis Edwards 1965–1980
Martin Edwards 1980–2002
Roy Gardner 2002–2005
Malcolm Glazer 2005–2006
Joel & Avram Glazer 2006–Present
Sir Jim Ratcliffe 2024–Present

The Turning Point: Glazer Takeover

In the early 2000s, tensions were created between Ferguson and the two major shareholders. These tensions arose because of a personal dispute over racehorse ownership in England. This rift eventually led to the sale of their shares to American businessman Malcolm Glazer in 2005. Glazer gradually acquired control and took the club private, using a leveraged buyout that placed massive debt on the club.

Following Malcolm Glazer’s death in 2014, his six children, led by Joel and Avram, retained control of 90% of the club’s shares.

Current Ownership Landscape

Mounting pressure from fans finally prompted the change in early 2024, when British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchased a 27.7% stake and assumed control of football operations. Though the Glazers still own 69%, Ratcliffe, with a net worth of $16.4 billion, has committed $300 million to stabilize operations. The club currently carries over $990 million in debt, with $379 million still owed in transfer fees alone.

While Ratcliffe’s involvement offers a glimmer of hope, Manchester United remains in a complex financial and leadership transition as it seeks to return to its former glory.