I have been a big Manchester United fan all my life, but some fans are angry now. Many of them has been angry toward the owners for about 16 years, and that reached a new level when the Glazers signed up to the doomed Super League project.
Some fans stormed Old Trafford last week, and some of them had a T-shirt with this logo; United Against Greed. The riots got angry and started throwing bottles before police got kitted up in full riot kit.
A smaller number of fans was inside the stadium. One took a corner flag, and some swung from the crossbar of one of the goals. Many were clutching beer bottles. Everybody understand that theese people does not represent the majority of the supporters.
Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, condemned the «minority» of Machester United supporters for their roles in the protests.
Burnham took to Twitter on Sunday to say he «fully understands» the concerns that led United supporters to protest, adding that it is «essential that those running the club and the game listen to them».
He wrote in a statement: «It is important to make clear that the majority of supporters made their protest peacefully today. However, there is no excuse for the actions of a minority who injured police officers and endagered the safety of others.
«This could be an important moment to change football for the better. We should all condemn violence of any kind and keep the focus on the behaviour of those at the top of the game.»
The tension has been high since the Glazers took over the club in 2005. Nor do the fanbase like the level of debt they have after being debt-free for so many years.
Some fans claim that they are the real owners of the club and that the Glazers have stolen the club from them. Some demanded the installation of Germany`s 50+1 ownership model at the protest, which ensured voting right for the fans.
Some fans act like Manchester United is bankruptcy tomorrow, but they are far away from that.
Manchester United are one of the richest football clubs in the world (nr 4), according to Deloitte`s latest Football Money League.
The report showed that the top 20 clubs, all based in Europe, manage to accrue a combined €8,2 billion during the 2019 – 2020 season. That`s down 12 percent caused by Covid-19 pandemic, which impacted broadcast and matchday revenue.
Barcelona are the world`s richest football club in 2021, according to the Deliotte rankings, retaining a light margin ahead of Spanish rivals Real Madrid.
Bayern are third on the list in front of Manchest United, named the richest English side.
The fanbase in Manchester United doesn`t like the debt, which is £515 million, after spending £730 million on players. But what is that compared to the richest club in the world?
Barcelona`s status as the richest club in the world, however, has been overshadowed by their €1,2 billion debt alongside the reveletion that Lionel Messi`s salery is at €555 million.
Keep in mind that Manchester United`s value is $4,2 billion, while Barcelona`s value is $4,76 billion. Manchester United`s revenue in 2020 came in at $643 million, so they will no go bankruptcy tomorrow with the debt they have today.
What made this football industry so rich? Is it greed? If it is, what will the football look like without it? Sometimes, greed can be a positive thing.
Greed can be good not just for your own life, but for others as well. By elevating your life, you can radically elevate your family`s life, your community, and yes, even the world. Greed can also be a form for motivation.
Greed inspires people to push for better social and economic outcomes than they have. Altruism is a better force for creating positive change, but it takes time to develop it.
Eric Fromm is one of my favorite authors. He once said; «Greed is a bottomless pit which exhausts the person in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever reaching satisfaction.»
Greed is a human instinct, and fotball fans can be extremely greedy too. Greedy means you want more of something, and fans wants a new game. They pay for entertainment, and nothing is better than two clubs in a good game. That`s real entertainment.
If you love football, you can watch it in your backyard, but the skills you see isn`t near the skills you see on Old Trafford. The skills you see on Old Trafford is what the owners pay for to give you a great product, and the product you see is what you are paying for.
Fotball is a product and greedy people will always try to develop it to the better. They are always hungry. It is a part of the evolution.
To contact the author: post@shinybull.com
Ket Garden
Shiny bull 