In May 2005 the Glazers bought the shareholdings of Irish businessmen JP McManus and John Magnier to take their shareholding to 76%. They did this via a highly controversial leveraged buy-out, borrowing against the club, then using United’s revenue to service the debt via staggering amounts of interest. Although Sir Jim Ratcliffe has become the central figure at Old Trafford, having responsibility for all football operations, the fact is that he only purchased 28.9% of the club. Therefore, even after this large the Glazers remain very much in control, as they still own around 49%, while the nature of their shares means that they actually have over two-thirds of the voting rights. All revenue streams have significantly increased, led by commercial £260m, followed by broadcasting £173m and match day £71m. Staff costs are also much higher, with wages and player amortisation up £288m and £163m respectively. In addition, other expenses rose £115m, while there was a £40m increase in ex...
Reading fans are over the moon after the takeover of their club was completed: https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2025/5/15/24430246/after-500-days-of-torture-reading-fc-fans-can-breathe-again-royals The English Football League, who are responsible for a lot of the delays, issued a brief statement: https://www.efl.com/news/2025/may/14/reading-football-club-under-new-ownership/