Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward hopes history will judge the Glazer family as better owners than most fans originally feared. The Glazers attracted massive criticism following their leveraged buy-out of the United in 2005.
In an exclusive interview with the club's fanzine 'United We Stand', Woodward said: "I'm sensitive to the general feeling about being fearful about the future of the club under this ownership.
"I think we should explain what the debt means.
"I can understand that [the fans' distrust of the Glazers]. Time will perhaps make them look better owners than some think, especially when they are compared to other owners."
The Glazers launched a successful partial flotation of United in the New York Stock Exchange last year and rumours have persisted of a second such move at some point in the future.
But Woodward expects the family to be around for a long time yet.
"I can't answer for them as I don't know what their intentions are," he said.
"I expect them to be in an ownership position and involved in the club for many years to come."
