Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer has claimed that the club does not depend on positive results on the pitch to maintain its commercial success and enterprise value.
Speaking at Deutsche Bank’s inaugural Sports Investment Conference in London, the American businessman addressed questions regarding the correlation between on-field performance and commercial revenue.
Glazer argued that global brands like Major League Baseball’s New York Yankees and the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys have sustained high commercial valuations despite extended periods without winning major trophies. He asserted that Manchester United’s brand strength similarly insulates its financial performance from fluctuating pitch results.
The comments echo statements made in May 2018 by former executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, who told investors that playing performance does not have a meaningful impact on commercial operations.
“Playing performance doesn’t really have a meaningful impact on what we can do on the commercial side of the business,” Woodward previously noted.
Glazer’s remarks arrive during a tumultuous stretch for the club. Manchester United recently snapped a nine-match winless streak with a 3-2 Champions League comeback victory over AS Roma at Old Trafford. Despite the European win, the club remains near the Premier League relegation zone on goal difference.
Manager Michael Carrick faces continued pressure as Manchester United prepare to host Aston Villa in their upcoming Premier League fixture.
