Manchester United fans have slammed former goalkeeper Tim Howard for defending the Glazers, calling criticism of their ownership “one-sided.” His comments have sparked widespread backlash, reigniting fan frustrations over the club’s controversial leadership.
The Glazers’ tenure has been highly unpopular since their 2005 takeover, which was financed through leveraged loans that left the club in debt. United supporters have long protested against them, with many donning yellow and green scarves as a symbol of opposition.
Fans accuse the American owners of prioritizing profits over sporting success, frequently making poor managerial appointments and overspending on transfers without a clear strategy. Despite selling a minority stake to Sir Jim Ratcliffe in 2024, the Glazers remain in control, with Old Trafford’s aging infrastructure becoming a growing concern.
Howard, who played for United between 2003 and 2007, defended the Glazers in an interview with beIN Sports, arguing that club owners have the right to run their businesses as they see fit. He acknowledged criticism but insisted the Glazers have invested significantly in the squad.
His remarks did not sit well with United fans, who took to social media to express their anger. One Reddit user labeled Howard an “absolute weasel,” pointing out that the Glazers’ leveraged buyout saddled the club with debt rather than genuine investment.
Clarifying his stance, Howard admitted that investment and smart spending are two different things, implying that the club’s structural issues extend beyond the owners. However, his comments failed to convince many fans, who remain firm in their belief that the Glazers are responsible for United’s decline.
Howard compared United’s financial situation to that of Everton, another club he played for, emphasizing that mismanagement, not a lack of spending, is the bigger issue. He noted that while United spent heavily on players like Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo, recruitment failures were not necessarily the Glazers’ fault.
With tensions over ownership still unresolved and fan protests continuing, Howard’s defense of the Glazers has only intensified the ongoing debate about their leadership at Old Trafford.