By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
July 28 – Manchester United fans should be happy that their club is owned by the Glazer family, Major League Soccer (MLS) Commissioner Don Garber claimed today.
While the Premier League are the number on football club in the world on the Forbes Rich List with an estimated value of $1.84billion (£1.18billion), the debt is over £700 million.
That is a concern to United supporters and has put the Glazers in the firing line of the Green and Gold protest movement.
But Garber defended Malcolm Glazer and his sons, Joel and Bryan, who also own the NFL club Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He said: ”I knew the Glazer family when I worked at the NFL.
“I have a tremendous amount of respect for the family.
“They are owning and managing the world’s most valuable franchise.
“They’re nothing anything wrong.
“I know it’s tough in your market, in your country as it relates to the relationship that owners have with fans and how the media manages that.
“But if I were a Manchester United fan I’d be feeling pretty good about my team.
“They’re winning trophies.
“They’re powerful and popular around the world, and I’m not quite sure what all the hubbub is about.
“But I don’t live there.
“I think they’re great guys and they love their teams.
“One thing I’ll say, because most people don’t know this, is they love football. I know they love the NFL, but they love Manchester United.
“They deeply care about that team.”
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