Sir Alex Ferguson has defended the Glazers against criticisms made of them by fans. He argues that it was inevitable that the club was going to be bought using loans and believes that fans would have taken exception to a previously debt-free club being plunged into the red regardless of the identity of the owners.
Sir Alex Ferguson has defended the Glazers against criticisms made of them by fans. He argues that it was inevitable that the club was going to be bought using loans and believes that fans would have taken exception to a previously debt-free club being plunged into the red regardless of the identity of the owners.
Speaking to CNN, the United manager said that ‘You know very well that no matter which business is bought today, it’s usually with debt. Because it’s a football club it seems to attract a different type of negative reporting via the media or particularly some of the fans.’ This is, of course, the nub of the matter. In the Anglo-American economic model, businesses are usually bought using debt, but advocates of the continental ‘solidarity’ model would argue that football clubs are not businesses like any other.
Of the Glazers, Sir Alex said, ‘I have to say they’ve done their job well. They support myself, they’ve supported the players. I’ve never been refused when I’ve asked for money for a player, so what can I do other than carry on the way we’re doing it?’
One question is how far the momentum of the green-and-gold campaign can be maintained next season. The Glazers are clearly in charge for the medium term and the Red Knights have not been able to put together an acceptable offer. The focus of fans may return to the pitch.