12th in the table is an unusual place for Manchester United FC to be, but it does have to be remembered that it is only September and their final position is likely to be much higher. It is easy to overlook the fact that West Bromwich Albion played exceptionally well on Saturday. However, some United fans are already concerned about whether they will secure a Champions League place, let alone retain the title.
12th in the table is an unusual place for Manchester United FC to be, but it does have to be remembered that it is only September and their final position is likely to be much higher. It is easy to overlook the fact that West Bromwich Albion played exceptionally well on Saturday. However, some United fans are already concerned about whether they will secure a Champions League place, let alone retain the title.
There was an interesting discussion on Radio 5 this lunchtime about United and in particular about impatience in football. It was suggested, rightly in my view, that this was a general problem in football, not just at United, and that fans had become more impatient over time. Of course, there is no firm evidence one way or the other, but it does seem like a plausible argument.
Sir Alex Ferguson was always going to be a hard act to follow. The club is going through a transition, not just on the pitch, but also in the board room. Part of the problem was that some United fans thought that David Moyes was not ‘mega’ enough a manager for their club. A rather underwhelming outcome to the transfer window reinforced these concerns.
Another underlying issue is the role of the Glazers. When United are doing well, one doesn’t hear so much about this, but when there are choppy waters, it comes to the surface again.
There are genuine grounds for concern. Last month’s accounts showed £71m spent on financial costs, equivalent to just under 20 per cent of the total income. The Glazers borrowed £525m to buy United and they have spent £680m servicing the debt.
However, even with £389m of debt outstanding, there will be more money available in future because the Glazer’s loans have been restructured. There is a cash pot of £50m waiting to be spent in January.
Not so long ago the media’s critical gaze was on Arsene Wenger and Arsenal. They have silenced their critics for now. United could well respond in a similar way.