12 Comments

This is an excellent, well informed article. The Glazers approach to transfers and executives isn't what makes them terrible owners though. It's the colossal debts they accrued when they took over the club. Debts that have been the catalyst for United's problems & have crippled us ever since. All of this spending + alot more would be quite comfortable if United didn't have the Glazer debts to contend with. Their takeover honestly should have been illegal or blocked by the FA.

Expand full comment

I love your work, but to be honest, now we know Mourinho did not want Pogba. He is the victim too, and Matt Judge Ed always the guy who want to renew contract with players (not in coach's plan)

https://theathletic.com/3287110/2022/05/02/judges-resignation-raises-questions-over-manchester-uniteds-summer-transfer-plans/

Expand full comment

'Given less money would have come in, this could have potentially tied United’s hands a bit more next season. Instead, they let their books rest for another year. Contracts came off the books, older deals are getting paid off. When next summer comes around they’ll have more flexibility.'

And so it is coming to pass as you had written. The Glazers and Woodward clearly trust Ole orders of magnitude more than they did Jóse. And you can see why, Ole only has VDB as a flop and the jury is still out on him.

Expand full comment

'Given less money would have come in, this could have potentially tied United’s hands a bit more next season. Instead, they let their books rest for another year. Contracts came off the books, older deals are getting paid off. When next summer comes around they’ll have more flexibility.'

And so it is coming to pass as you had written. The Glazers and Woodward clearly trust Ole orders of magnitude more than they did Jóse. And you can see why, Ole only has VDB as a flop and the jury is still out on him.

Expand full comment

Brilliant article!

Expand full comment

" trailing only Manchester City - who weren’t exactly following the rules"

CAS and multiple reputable accounting firms disagree with you there

Expand full comment

A lot of the evidence that was obtained wasn't admissible in court so it was more a situation where one sides lawyers did a better job than the other. As the other commenter said, "we all saw the letters, they were published."

Now add in that a year after this happens City are struggling to work out a deal with De Bruyne because of his wage demands and - according to The Athletic - can't afford to sign Mbappe because of his wages?? For a club that has all the money in the world. Certainly sounds like they're suddenly paying attention to the rules. It's not an admission of guilt but it certainly makes you say "hmmmm"

Expand full comment

We all saw the letters mate... they were published... city will constantly be paying off people to make them go away, it’s why nobody really cares what they win..the success is empty because the finances are... they’re essentially Abu Dhabi athletic club.. city died with the takeover

Expand full comment

Top notch write , so easy to see how many things have gone wrong and whats the malaise the team have to deal with

Expand full comment

Really enjoyed this article

Expand full comment

Good article

Expand full comment

This is a really good article, very eye opening 👍

Expand full comment