EDITORIAL
I wrote the following in 2005, in the official Manchester United magazine no less.
“Nobody wants the profit-chasing predators to take over United. Not the board, the management, nor the players (though it would admirable if more stated it publicly). Most importantly, the fans don’t want it. Robbie Fowler replacing Ruud van Nistelrooy would be preferable, yet some people can’t get the message that they are not wanted.
“Aside from pillaging United’s substantial wealth, it’s curious why someone with no attachment to the UK or knowledge of football wants in. United’s commercialism isn’t to everyone’s palate, but the current board are held as the commercial role model by all our European peers. Milan or Madrid might beat United on the pitch, but they’re in awe of United off it. We’re fine as we are thanks.
“Maybe one of Mr Glazer’s many foes told him to stick his millions where the sun doesn’t shine. And Manchester’s reputation for inclement weather worked against it. If that was his reasoning then he should go for city. They’ve not changed owners for about six weeks and could do with the investment.
“United don’t need outside money because, unlike Chelsea, the club’s millions are selfgenerated by a huge fanbase who fill the stadium, buy merchandise and from armchair fans watching on TV around the globe.
“All United fans need to be committed. We have to protect our community and history. Shareholders United account for around 15 per cent of United’s shareholding. The magic figure to prevent a takeover and keep the club independent is 25pc.”
The columns in the official mag would soon end after the Glazer takeover. Best to get rid of the dissenting voices thought those who stayed in their jobs. “It’s us before the club and we bow to the new bosses.” History will not remember them kindly, the Glazers less so. Imagine your legacy was bringing one of the world’s great football clubs to its knees?
Twenty years on, as we approach the anniversary of the Glazer takeover, I’d stand by much of what was written back then. We could all see what was coming – and that it wouldn’t be good for United. But, in the interests of balance, they broke no rules in taking over United. It’s a disgrace that the highly leveraged buyout was allowed to go through, but the Glazers also saw untapped commercial potential. That meant their plans could be implemented while United were winning. Sponsors want to be linked with success and glory. Prize money followed from extensive Champions League runs and triumphs, from being serial winners of the Premier League. Old Trafford had been expanded, so they even benefitted from an increased capacity that saw it 26,000 seats bigger than the next-biggest stadium. The Glazers’ timing was perfect – from their perspective.
United just needed to keep on winning and growing financially. While the winning slowed post-Ferguson, United remained profitable until 2019. Remember Ed Woodward replying to the following UWS question: “Can United buy the top, top players in football? A lot of fans will find that hard to believe.”
“Yes.” “Would United lose a Ronaldo to Madrid in the future?”
“We won’t lose on price.” In that same 2013 interview, we also asked Woodward this: “Can you understand the frustration of fans who see you haggling over relatively small amounts of money for players, yet £70 million of the club’s money is used to pay off the club’s debt each year?”
He said he did, but he also said: “I can say that I’m absolutely optimistic about the future financial prospects of the club.”
That was then. Several factors undermined that optimistic prediction. Rivals, flushed with state or appropriated Russian funds, were bankrolled to success and aped United’s commercial techniques. Sir Alex Ferguson left. United wasted money on poor recruitment as rivals were smarter in the transfer market. As redevelopment around Old Trafford stalled, rivals expanded their stadiums – by the start of next season five other clubs will play in homes of more than 60,000.
United became less attractive to players, so had to pay more for them. The club’s debts grew to the point that the Glazers had to go to market in November 2023, the world’s biggest cash machine malfunctioning. We hoped that would herald a brighter future, but things have got worse, not better. We hope it’s a short-term pain for a long-term gain. Hope is the one currency all football fans trade in, but is that all we’ve got for the future?
We’re down right now and it hurts, but we’ll never be out.
Andy Editor
FEATURES
10 What’s the Value of a Fan? 14 United’s Finances
22 This May Be The Last Time: Ian Storey-Moore
24 Paddy Barclay
32 Sarajevo
36 The Story So Far 38 Lessons From A Rebuild 39 Transmission
40 We’ll Meet Again: Leicester City
REGULARS 04-07 manUvia 04 Jim White 08-09 Guttersnipe 42 GAWI
