It appears that Manchester United co-owner Joel Glazer is still actively involved in guiding the club’s transfer strategy despite his apparent distancing from day-to-day operations.
Since purchasing a minority stake in the club, INEOS have assumed control of Man United’s football operations, appointing a whole new leadership team, including CEO Omar Berrada and Technical Director Jason Wilcox. Of course, there was also the arrival of manager Ruben Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag earlier this season.
Aside from changing personnel, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team have also been behind an array of controversial financial decisions, which include halting funding to the Association of Former Manchester United Players as well as raising Old Trafford ticket prices.
At the end of 2024, United fans couldn’t be blamed for feeling frustrated after Amorim indicated that a transfer spending spree in January would not be likely.
But while many may feel the need to blame INEOS for the recent lack of signings, an inside source revealed that there is another culprit who has also been steering the ship behind the scenes.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Joel Glazer is still actively involved in United’s transfer plans.
“Sources have confirmed that Glazer retains the right to sign off and veto deals even though Sir Jim Ratcliffe assumed control of the club’s football operations with his 27.7% minority stake last season,” the report read.
“Glazer is still the United co-chairman along with his brother, Avram, and has been described as “more hands-on” during the club’s negotiations in the winter transfer window. A United source said Glazer hs always been involved and that nothing had changed.”
While the Glazers have been highly unpopular among the United fanbase since assuming control in 2005, Joel, in particular, is a controversial figure to lead the club’s transfer strategy.
“Joel has not been seen at a United home game since the 2019 Champions League quarter-final first leg against Barcelona,” the article reminded, although “the club claimed he was in attendance for the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City last year.”
While the club had a busy transfer window last summer, signing Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, Manuel Ugarte, and Joshua Zirkzee, it appears as if January may be a letdown.
Aside from left-back Patrick Dorgu, whose medical at United has been delayed, there has been no concrete transfer activity at Old Trafford this January despite the clear need for reinforcements in numerous positions.
Striker Mathys Tel is another potential signing, with United reportedly contacting Bayern Munich over a loan deal. Still, there is no guarantee that the deal will progress beyond the initial talks.
While January may be a disappointing transfer window, it appears that INEOS should not shoulder the entire blame for a lack of business. Once again, the Glazers seem to have a role in United’s lack of progress.
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Mathew Cohen
A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.
