Manchester United: Why Have They Fallen So Far Since 2008?

Manchester United is a football club with a huge history. In fact, the club is steeped in history. Tragedy, near misses and success are just some of the feelings felt by a die-hard United fan.

In May 2005, Manchester United was purchased by the Glazer family despite opposition from both the Manchester United board and fan associations.

Until 2005, Manchester United was considered to be one of the richest clubs in world football. A worldwide fanbase accompanied by a world-class stadium, and most importantly, some of the greatest players in the modern game made Manchester United one of the biggest names in football.

Players have always come and gone at Manchester United, as one of the foremost principles of United’s ethos is a philosophy that no player is bigger than the club.

In 2010, United saw a different feeling arrive.

This year, Manchester United made £100 million of operating profit—a very attractive sum for any organisation. However, pre-tax losses of £80 million have plunged the club into despair.

How can a football club lose £180 million? The answer is simple: the Glazers.

Manchester United have struggled since they were taken over by their current American owners.

The £80 million sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid should have provided a fund of money to buy new players to further United’s desire to remain the pinnacle of European football.

Sadly, that is £80 million that has gone to paying off the toxic debts of the Glazer family.

Since the sale of Ronaldo, there has been no major signing of players into Old Trafford. Of course United have brought players in; however, none of them could be described as world-class.

Move forward to 19th October 2010. Sir Alex Ferguson releases a statement confirming that the current talisman, Wayne Rooney, wants to leave United.

The reasons for this are still unclear; however, rumours from sources close to the United striker suggest that Rooney is unhappy with the investment and drive within the club.

This isn’t hard to believe. If a club loses £180 million, then how can if afford to purchase new players?

There are a number of players who are due to retire over the next few years—Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and Edwin Van Der Saar to name a few.

How can Manchester United afford to replace these players? And what is more, how can United maintain their place within the European football hierarchy?

The answer is simple—they can’t.

Manchester United is a club based upon a long history. The club has grown slowly and steadily, they have never overstretched themselves, they have spent money carefully and they have scored more goals than their opposition.

It is a simple recipe that has worked for years. The defence may have gotten stronger to help out the strikers, but the mantra of “we’ll score more than you” has been a faithful reminder that United were one of the best teams in the UK and Europe.

The announcement that Rooney wants to leave United is a disaster to United fans.

I know there are fans out there who feel that once a United player turns his back on the club then that is final. I don’t think it’s so simple.

A professional footballer wants to get the most out of their limited career. In order to do that, you need to surround yourself with the best players that you can.

Manchester United currently does not have a stock of the greatest players in the game. Rooney is one of the best on his day without a doubt, but who is there to support him?

The answer is simple—no one.

United don’t have a depth in player at present. Rooney knows the backroom staff, he knows the set up and he knows what he needs.

The question now has to be since he wants to leave, is he getting what he needs at United?

This isn’t a question of what he wants, but what he needs. Pro footballers need to know that they are in the best environment that they can get to ensure their careers.

Rooney is clearly not in that situation.

Football clubs throughout England are being taken over by new owners with huge amounts of disposable monies. United are on a downer.

I can’t blame Rooney for wanting to leave. He is a young professional who wants to get the most out of a short career.  After all, Rooney has maybe 10 years at the top of his game if he is lucky.

If I were Rooney, I’d want to know that my team has the money and the lure to bring in the best players possible—as I’m sure do the fans. I fear for the future of United. We are in a world of trouble.

Debt is crippling the club; we can’t grow and we can never hope to square up to the mega rich clubs of the current premiership.

I would hate to see Rooney leave Old Trafford—I wouldn’t be surprised if he did but I would hate it. United need to steady their ship...we need to change our owners and start to bring in the best players in the world.

Manchester United should be a world leader. Being a world loser is not an option.