The Glazers flirted with buying into a Hundred cricket franchise, according to reports (Image: Getty)
Controversial owners the Glazers abandoned plans to bid for Hundred cricket team Manchester Originals, according to reports.
The auction on Monday was won by RPSG Group, who added to their cricket portfolio by purchasing 71% of the franchise. However, they nearly faced stiff competition from the Glazers, who had ‘expressed a keen interest’ in launching a bid of their own.
The relationship between United fans and the Glazers has become increasingly strained since they took control of the Red Devils in 2005. And according to , the billionaire family were warned against the investment for fear of extreme fan backlash.
They therefore tweaked their plans and sparked up an interest in London Spirit, but a 49% stake was purchased by a Silicon Valley coalition instead. The Glazers’ interest in moving into cricket comes amid the ongoing auctions of Hundred franchises.
RSPG’s stake in the Old Trafford-based Manchester Originals cost them , making them the most lucrative franchise outside of the capital. Meanwhile, London Spirit’s stake sold for .
United fans have frequently protested against the Glazers’ ownership over the past two decades. Supporters feel the club have underachieved, put ill-equipped people in positions of power and saddled the club with debt.
Man Utd fans have staged regular protests against the Glazers’ ownership (Image: Getty)
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They will have breathed a sigh of relief when, in February last year, INEOS chief completed a 27.7% buy-in which included him taking control of the club’s football operations from the Glazer family.
The 72-year-old has since overseen a major reshuffle at Old Trafford, with appointed to lead the team, Omar Berrada nabbed from to become CEO, and Jason Wilcox named technical director. Former sporting director Dan Ashworth has come and gone since Ratcliffe’s arrival, with the structure of the Old Trafford operation still taking shape.
INEOS boss Ratcliffe has refused to criticise the Glazers since buying into the club. “I only know Joel and Avram and they are, despite what you might read in the press, very nice people, very courteous and they are avid supporters of believe it or not,” he told .
“I understand the frustrations and the anger but I am looking forward not backward. What I’d like to say to the fans is give us a little bit of time, try to be patient and we’ll try to build back to where it should be, which is as one of the very elite clubs in the world.”