Manchester United’s ownership has remained a source of frustration for supporters since the Glazer family completed their takeover in 2005.

The controversial deal was largely funded through borrowing, leaving the club carrying hundreds of millions of pounds in debt.

Over the following two decades, United paid substantial sums in interest, dividends and fees, while supporters continued to protest against the family’s control.

The club’s decline on the pitch has added to that frustration, with United failing to win another Premier League title since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival as a minority investor in 2024 brought changes to the football operation, but the Glazers retained majority control.

Former captain Gary Neville renewed calls for them to leave this week, saying, “They have to sell now, enough is enough!”

Donald Trump receives 6 figure payment from Glazers

According to City AM, Edward Glazer has now emerged as one of the most prominent political donors among the Premier League’s American ownership group, after contributing more than $220,000 to the Republican National Committee to support Donald Trump.

The donations, made through the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the NFL franchise owned by the Glazer family, totalled $221,502 (£166,000), according to figures reported by City AM.

The contribution was spread across eight separate payments.

Four instalments of $36,917 were made in February, March, April and June, while another payment of $7,383 was recorded midway through the year.

The donations came ahead of the US midterm elections, scheduled for Tuesday, with the Republican Party seeking to retain control of both chambers of Congress.

The figures have drawn attention because of the financial position of the club Edward’s family continues to control.

United’s latest financial disclosures put net debt at £621.7m at the end of June 2026, while the broader figure that includes outstanding transfer payments and other liabilities has been reported at more than £1bn.

Edward is not the largest political donor among Premier League owners and investors, however.

Crystal Palace co-owner Josh Harris has reportedly donated $250,000 to the Republican-aligned SLF PAC through his investment firm Apollo Global Management.

Bournemouth owner Bill Foley has also contributed to several political organisations, while other figures within the league’s American ownership group have backed candidates from different parties.

Neville’s latest criticism came as United endured a difficult start to the season, with the former captain pointing to the club’s debt, spending and lack of progress on infrastructure.

He also questioned the Glazers’ continued involvement while INEOS oversees the football operation, arguing that the family should sell its remaining stake.