Pranav Nair
Joel Glazer: Manchester United transfer plans not influenced by the club’s debts
Manchester United co-chairman Joel Glazer made news when he attended the fans forum for the first time earlier this month. While an owner doing so should not be news, the Glazers have set the standard so low that them making a public appearance is a meal in itself.
According to ESPN, it has now been revealed that he admitted that the club’s debts do not have a bearing on their transfer business. This comes on the heel of news that United are closing in on Jadon Sancho.
“It [debt and dividend payments] has never stood in the way of us pursuing players or transfers on the pitch.”
Joel also went on to add that while United have walked away from deals in the past, it was thanks to the other side’s unreasonable demands rather than us being skint. He believes giving in to demands would set the wrong precedent in the transfer window.
“We may have walked away from transfers at times because the other side wanted an outlandish number. And while it’s easy to pay it that one time, it does have consequences.”
He has also gone on to admit that the club will spend this summer but in a meaningful manner. It is pretty evident that reinforcements are needed if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is to usurp Manchester City at the top of the table.
“We’re going to keep investing on the pitch, which we did last year, and we plan on doing it meaningfully this year.”
Summer plans!
According to the report, Solskjaer is keen to bring in at least two more players apart from Sancho. He is keen to strengthen different areas in his squad with the likes of centre-backs, central midfielders, strikers and right-backs all being considered.
Curiously, Joel also admits the club have suffered a financial hit caused by the coronavirus pandemic. He expects United to mount a serious challenge for trophies if the summer transfer window goes well.
More Manchester United News
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer taking advice from Manchester United stars regarding full-back signings
- Manchester United keen to install Juan Mata as a future board member at Old Trafford
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tells Manchester United to pull out all stops in securing Jadon Sancho
The Glazer family have taken heavy criticism from supporters during their 16-year ownership. This after they paid out more than £1billion to finance the debt created by their leveraged buy-out in 2005. The Americans have also taken out more than £100million in dividend payments since. (h/t ESPN)
It is entirely possible that Joel’s comments were made in order to justify their actions rather than indicate a summer of free spending. The Glazers have so far shown themselves to be duplicitous and fans will do well to take their comments with a pinch of salt.
