Manchester United: Does Continued Success Prove Glazer Doubters Wrong?

Tonight, once again, the red half of Manchester celebrates a night of European glory. A 4-1 demolition of German team Schalke saw the Red Devils advance to their third Champions League final in four seasons, and a rematch of their last time there, when they lost in Rome to Barcelona.

That's not all those fans have to be cheering about either. A chance to cement the Premier League title on Sunday against Chelsea, in the process surpassing bitter rivals Liverpool as the most successful League side ever. 

Granted, the recent semifinal loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup would have taken a lot more than a spoonful of sugar to swallow but, it seems, barring a disaster, this season can be chalked up another success for United.

Yet, their remains a sense of discomfort around Old Trafford, an unease best demonstrated by the constant Green and Gold campaign highlighting fans angst at the continued ownership of the club by the Glazer family.

But is the continued success of the club swaying the swathes of disapproving supporters? And if not, should it be?

The acrimony towards the American family started with the much publicized debt they dumped on the club to purchase it—especially the hugely expensive £220 millions worth PIK loans (16.25% interest a year).

However, in November of last year, these loans were surprisingly paid off, seemingly without using the club's money.

Indeed, recent figures show that Manchester United is in rude financial health. Revenues are at a record high, not just a club record but on course to be a record for any football club in any league. Debts shrank as well, though admittedly, it's still hefty at near half a billion pounds. 

Of course, those against the Glazers will rightly point out that the American family are notorious for their smoke and mirror way of handling their finances and after last year's bond issue, they still have the right to siphon money out of the club at will.

Silverware has continued to flow into Old Trafford at the rate it always has. United have secured three League titles, three League cups and the famous Champions League triumph in Moscow since Malcom Glazer took full control.

The EPL title is likely to stay at Old Trafford this season, and as mentioned above, there is the mouth-watering clash with Barcelona at Wembley to come. They currently sit top of UEFA's coefficient system by a gap that larger than any other in the list.

The Green and Golds, however, would counter that these successes are coming on the vestiges of a great team. Veterans such as Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes are still critical players for United, and it appears no younger replacements are waiting in the wings. The team is badly lacking that creative force in the centre of midfield. 

Sure, the signings of Javier Hernandez and Chris Smalling look like steals, but these were done on a shoestring budget. Even mid-table clubs such as Aston Villa are getting out their checkbooks for the £20 million-plus players. Investment is badly needed to keep the side challenging for these honors.

However, the critical battle that the Glazers are losing is with the lifeblood of the club—the fans themselves. Manchester United are arguably the most well supported club in the world, certainly in the UK where most of the protests emanate from.

Just yesterday it was announced that ticket prices would be increased next season, though the cited reason is the VAT increase this still fails to buck a trend that seen both tickets and merchandise increase steadily in price since 2005.

The basic season ticket will now cost £950 (about $1500) and this fails to gain entry to European or domestic Cup matches. 

Whilst I noted the above recent financial positives, there is no doubt the Glazers reign has taken it's toll the club, and fans effectively see their money going to pay off interest and bank charges for they used to own. No doubt it's a bitter pill to swallow.

To answer me earlier question, no, I don't think Manchester United's on-field success will be swaying the those who wear Green and Gold, and it won't do until the off-field problems are solved.

How to do that? Well, the much rumored summer spending spree will certainly ease some worries with the likes of Gareth Bale, Ashley Young, Wesley Sneijder and David de Gea all rumored to be joining the Red Devils—all most would consider to be marquee signings.

They also need to reach out to the fans—a freeze on ticket prices and merchandise would be a start. Perhaps opening up the Carrington training ground would go a distance, though this maybe down to Sir Alex Ferguson rather than the Board. Above all, work on reducing the debt without using club resources.

Things have certainly quietened things down since the campaign reached it's roaring high point in the midst of the formation on the Red Knights takeover group. But Green and Gold remains a feature at Old Trafford.

I'm sure victories in the Premier and Champions League will see a few more switch back to red.

So what do you guys think? Are the Glazers good for the club? Or should they leave as quickly as possible? Get the debate going below....