The answer is perhaps. In the three years that have elapsed since assuming control of the club, the Glazer family have very much taken a back seat and have unequivocally backed Sir Alex Ferguson in the transfer market with big money signings of Michael Carrick, Owen Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson. It may be argued that this is a cynical ploy intended for the club to be successful only so they can reap the financial rewards.
However, unlike other clubs under foreign ownership such as Chelsea and Liverpool they have not brought the club into disrepute. The shambles that is George Gillett and Tom Hicks’ co-ownership at Anfield has clearly affected performances on the pitch. Roman Abramovich continues to interfere needlessly with team matters at Stamford Bridge. The deterioration of his relationship with José Mourinho has co-incided with slump in Chelsea’s success. In keeping off-the-field dramas to a minimum, he Glazer family enabled Sir Alex Ferguson and his assistants to concentrate on the task at hand; making Manchester United the a success once more.
So, three years on, it is with a certain unease that I look back at the events surrounding the take-over of Manchester United. The club has not drastically changed as I, and many, feared it would.
Despite this, it is clear the Glazer family will never be welcome at Manchester United. Just as with Rupert Murdoch and bSKYb a decade ago, Manchester United fans will always have a certain hostility towards anyone who will willingly use the club simply to extract financial gain.
The issue of the level of debt is the major concern amongst fans as it puts the club in a potentially precarious financial position.
Foreign ownership of British Football teams is and always will be unpopular. Not just in Britain but also with UEFA. President Platini has already expressed his dislike of foreign ownership, and it is about the only sensible thing he has said during his tenure for many British football fans.
The history, tradition and heritage of teams such as Liverpool, Manchester United and Aston Villa is under threat and it why I am still fundamentally against foreign ownership, but so far, for Manchester United at least, it seems to have paid dividends... for now at least.
We're going to send you the most entertaining Manchester United articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
3 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete