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Of our special envoy to Manchester,
The data is misleading. To everyone's surprise, the sun can shine in Manchester, in this northern England so often mocked for its fresh temperatures, its thick fog and its traumatic rains. Meteorologists even announce approximately 116 days of sunshine per year, sufficient for the clear epidermis of our dear neighbors to become in a few minutes of a flashy rosé which would not move to Cristina Cordula.
But, in the sun, the supporters of Manchester United have not seen for several years. Worse than that, since 2013 and a last title of champion of England, they pass through the seasons like a crab -crab seal in the polar circle between the spring equinox and that of autumn, in the most total darkness. There have been some jolts since then, this victory in the Europa League 2017 or these two FA Cup (2018 and 2023), but never this real return to sunny days. Above all, they seem distant today, while MU is about to complete the worst season of its history.
The Glazer, public enemies n ° 1
Fourteenth of the Premier League, Manchester United will not play any European Cup next season, less than a victory in the Europa League, of which they play the quarter -final return this Thursday against OL. But even a new European trophy would bring very little clearings. Because evil is elsewhere. And to a name: Glazer. “When the Glazer family bought the club in 2005, we were one of the biggest clubs in the world, with money,” explains Christ Rumfitt, member of the board of directors of Manchester United supporters Trust (Must), who works for the voice of supporters to be heard by the club management. But they did not buy it with their money, but debt. »»
And the English club continues to pay today the fruit of this beautiful idea. Each day, 100,000 pounds (116,000 euros) leave club funds to reimburse the interest contracted by the Glazer. And the well will continue to widen, since this should increase further in the next two years, ensure certain supporters of United. The majority of fans, including the must, alerted in 2005 to the danger of such an operation, without anything changing.
As a sign of protest, some supporters have even created the FC United of Manchester, today in seventh division, to no longer give money to the Glazer. “Currency is the only language that businessmen understand. And it was also to show that it is possible to manage a football club differently and make sure that fans are at the heart of the club, explains Paul Hurst, one of the founders of the club, who terminated his subscription in 2005 and no longer gives the Glazer a penny. Twenty years later, everything we planned in 2005 happened. Manchester United's finances are a disaster. »»
Ineos, it doesn't turn round either
Then, the arrival of Jim Ratcliffe and ineos at the end of 2023 was to offer MU a small bubble of hope. By buying around 28 % of the club's shares, the one who is also the boss of Nice injected equity. But has, like any good French government who has self -respecting in recent years, decided to tackle the “little ones” to try to recover the maximum of money. “They turned employees, sweet an annual donation of 40,000 pounds to an association of former players, set an exorbitant price of 66 pounds for children who want to come to Old Trafford and have more than doubled the subscription price for seniors,” said Paul Hurst.
Very criticized, the Boss of Ineos released the usual and replicated chorus that these decisions had been made in the interest of the club. “He says he did not realize the situation in which the club was. But for many of us, it's hard to believe that, says Paul Hurst. He built a business empire, it does not make sense that he invests his own money without really understanding the situation within the club. »»
“Since the arrival of Ratcliffe, the new owners want to destroy everything and do not respect anyone,” said Eric Cantona, visiting last week at FC United, which he became a co -owner (with as much power as the other members). The King, whose face is drawn on several walls of the city, was outraged by the fate that the management reserves for the ancients. “He offered his services, but was ignored,” says Paul Hurst. Sir Alex Ferguson will lose his role as ambassador. They do anything. »»
Failed investments
And the sportsman in all of this? “Everything stems from the situation at the head of the club,” says Elliott, his forties, crossed in front of the Trafford pub, a stone's throw from the Mancunian stadium. We cannot hope anything in this state. Just see the big investments we made. Some have already gone and we continue to pay their transfer today. »Arrived for 100 million euros from Ajax, Antony, taken in addition in matters of domestic violence, was loaned to Betis. Same thing for Jadon Sancho, bought 85 million euros and today in Chelsa.
Until his departure, in 2013, Sir Alex Ferguson was the tree that hid a forest about to go up in smoke. And then, after the retirement of the Scottish legend, everything collapsed. “Why all these coaches who have succeeded elsewhere (Mourinho, Ten Hag, Amorim, Moyes), come to Manchester United and fail miserably,” asks Chris Rumfitt. The same thing among players. The answer is at the head of the club. The club structure has been neglected, the stadium has been neglected. »»
Suffice to say that the match against Lyon this Thursday evening appears as only one more match in the long crossing of the desert. Moreover, in town, no mention of this meeting or other Red Devils games, only posters for the Manchester Female derby which will take place in Old Trafford. It could also be one of the last because Ineos announced his wish to build a new stadium. Another angry subject.
Manifestations communes
This new 100,000 -seat speaker would cost the modest sum of 2 billion pounds (2.3 billion euros). Obviously, the news was not received with applause with supporters. “As with the sportsman, we let him deteriorate, regrets Paul Hurst. It was the best English stadium twenty years ago. Many want it to be renovated, modernized, but not completely destroyed. And then we do not know the origin of the funds. It is still very vague, but it is not surprising. »»
Our file on Manchester United
So what can Mancunian supporters do to try to find their club? Not much, unfortunately. A boycott has already been organized, but without any impact. The only means of challenge remains the manifestation. The last one was held two weeks ago before an FC United of Manchester match. A major fact, the dissidents of 2005, who still remain very attached to MU, were joined by the group The 1958, firmly opposed to the policy of the Glazer family. Union is strength. Just lack a little money.
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