Imagine some body took the one you love classic motorcar and took it out for a joy ride. Suppose, by some magic, the police recovered the automobile and it didnat have a scratch on it. Would you be relieved? Undoubtedly. But can you be high in warmth and passion towards the joy riders? Thought perhaps not. Manchester United have just won a 20th group title, the fifth under their present owners, the Glazer family. But to know why many Manchester United fans like me continue to be hostile to the Glazers a despite all that carpet a' think back again to the emotions of the owner of that vintage engine. Some history. Back 2005 the Glazer family took control of the stock exchange outlined Manchester United in a hostile takeover. The Americans were no sugar daddies coming in to get their own money. Instead, they loaded the expense of the acquisition on to the team itself, crashing United in to some A525m of debt. Several supporters, myself included, felt that adding such high levels of control to a soccer team was inherently dangerous. We suggested that there clearly was a threat of the debt heap bankrupting the club, and that the huge annual interest payments might restrict Unitedas ability to participate on the subject. And so we went into opposition to the new owners and their debt. We formed the Manchester United Supporters Trust, which proceeded to capture the wider publicas attention with the amazing agreen and golda plan. Nine years on from the Glazersa arrival and our worst fears haven't materialised. Your family have gotten away with their financial executive. They managed to drive out of the global financial crisis in 2008 through numerous opaque refinancing practices. Your debt has come down and presently stands at some A360m. The team remains the top of group. This escape was, it is true, partly due to the Glazersa commercial acumen. They asked industrial vendors all over the world to stump up an extraordinary amount of money. Nevertheless the family are also extremely happy. Sir Alex Fergusonas phenomenal ability to offer on-field accomplishment has kept Champions League TV money rolling in. And last yearas record-breaking Premier League broadcast deal, after BT decided to join the competition for rights, is yet another significant windfall. The Glazers may be able to clear the clubas outstanding debt if they use all these new profits to repay borrowing. But itas not adequate enough. A fantastic clubas luck shouldn't rest on the spin of a roulette wheel. If your stolen car comes home untouched, you donat leave it unlocked. Supporters like me desire to ensure our beloved club can be ever taken by no one for a financial joy drive again. We will perhaps not be satisfied until Manchester Unitedas destiny is influenced and shielded by probably the most committed long-term owners of all: the supporters themselves.
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