Manchester Clubs' Owners Criticized Amid Fan Disillusionment
Author Oliver Holt argues that the ownership of Manchester City and Manchester United has negatively impacted the clubs and their fan bases.
Manchester City and Manchester United are facing what one commentator describes as "dark days for Manchesterism in football" due to the influence of their ownership.
Oliver Holt, writing for the Daily Mail, contends that the owners of both clubs have "twisted their great clubs out of shape." He characterizes Manchester City's ownership as a "plaything" and Manchester United's as a "cash cow." This perspective suggests that the clubs' identities and integrity have been compromised by commercial and strategic priorities of their owners.
Historically, a club's manager often becomes the focal point for fan anger during periods of difficulty. Managers typically bear the brunt of criticism and chants demanding their departure. However, Holt implies that the current discontent extends beyond the managerial figurehead to the ownership groups themselves.
For Manchester United, fans have directed their frustration not only at the players but also at the club's owners, the Glazers, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Manchester City's owners are facing accusations of "cheating on an industrial scale" between 2009 and 2018. Holt suggests that while City fans may not yet have fully come to terms with these allegations, the reputational damage is significant and long-lasting.
Holt concludes that the "stain of ‘cheats’ is not an easy thing to wash away," indicating that the club's reputation could be permanently affected.
The sentiment from some fan bases is that the owners are responsible for the diminished state of their once-great clubs.
On a recent Sunday, Manchester United fans expressed their disapproval towards the players and, more pointedly, the club's owners, the Glazers, including Avram, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
