In recent days, Manchester United has gotten busy in the transfer window. It is a reactive approach the powers that be have taken since losing the opening 2 games to Brighton and Brentford. Especially after the 4-0 humiliation, the board reacted by looking to buy a striker in the form of ex-West Ham star Marko Arnautovic. News of his possible acquisition left the fanbase in disbelief and the flames that had died down following promise to listen to fans more post Super League fiasco slowly burned stronger. The squad clearly needed an upgrade, but the confirmation came in late. Tyrell Malacia was confirmed on 5 July 2022, free agent Christian Eriksen 15 July 2022 and Lisandro Martinez a whole 12 days later on 27 July 2022. The pace at which the signings were confirmed as compared to their oppositions were bemusing to the fanbase.
With an unhappy squad who seemed to have issues with their biggest star, Cristiano Ronaldo, and unhappy legend who seemed to want to leave, the divided fanbase, rallied together online with calls for the Glazers to sell. Britain’s richest man – Sir Jim Ratcliffe – a lifelong Manchester United fan was the spark to the current fire as his declaration of a hostile takeover caught on to many fanbase. Rumours were going around that the Glazers, for the first time since their acquisition, were listening to offers to sell – but only at a rumoured price of 6 billion pounds. Such an asking price would be more than the current valuation of 4 billion. The rumours also had the Glazers only willing to sell a portion of their current stakes. But those are just rumours.
The Manchester United powers try to right the wrongs and quell the upset fanbase with a late flurry of purchases with Casemiro being confirm on 19 Aug 2022 for 70m and Ajax’s Anthony for an eye watering deal of 100m euros, who they have targeted since the start of the transfer window with belief that Ajax’s asking price will be lowered. The last 2 acqusitions have bought some of the unhappy fans who are enjoying the high profile purchases with optimism that good times will return. However, a huge portion are still focused on the actual goal of getting the Glazers to sell, especially in recent weeks were media reports disclosed that the Glazers have taken out 1.2B pounds from the club to finance the debt that the Glazers have saddled the club with since their takeover.
The Glazers believe that the gravitas of Manchester United is immune to the on-pitch success, but the recent failings in various competitions, especially the league and champions league, has ruffled sponsors’ feathers. Manchester United were synonymous with success when they made the agreement, and a continued version of their failings, which has already stretched nearly a decade, is something the sponsors hope to end. Their commanding use of the social media game can be lauded for stategically passing out news that might coaxed those easily appeased.
With the growing noise from the fanbase, and organized protest during games and outside Old Trafford, it seems only a matter of time before one has to give way – the persistence of a fanbase who’s patience has worn thin or the resilience of the owners, keen to get as much out of a cashcow that acquired over a decade ago. One thing is for sure – history has proved that no club, is immune to financial ruins – just ask Leeds and Nottingham Forest. It would be a shame, to see Manchester United in such a state.
