Manchester United needs a change in ownership

In football, like most sports, the coach attracts scrutiny for poor team performance. Often, the problems are interrelated and the root of it all runs much deeper. At Manchester United, that root of all problems is being owned by the Glazer family.

Another ghastly performance. Another grim day. United have now lost 5 in 7 games. There are reports Ole Gunnar Solskjær is set to be fired.

Yes, changes are necessary. A lot of suggestions in the media and pundit panels, but few are addressing the elephant in the room.

The board can try changing manager and acquiring even more world class talents, but as long as Glazers are in control of the club it will not reclaim its status as a top football club. On the pitch. Not a football brand – a football club.

Merchandising and matchday revenue will continue to flourish despite change in ownership. United are arguably the biggest club with the biggest worldwide following.

The identity of the club is primarily that of a commercial entity rather than a sporting entity under Glazer ownership. This is a violation of sporting spirit, in my humble opinion.

Sporting achievements should be the primary goal of owners. At Manchester United the goal is to maximize profit to make the owners richer. Although clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester City and PSG are also in violation of sporting spirit they are able to deliver on the primary target – sporting achievements.

The Glazers have failed miserably. But don’t get it wrong, they’re not any more or less greedy comparing to owners of aforementioned clubs. With Glazers currently occupying majority of shares of Manchester United, there is no sporting gain either. You cannot underestimate obligation as owners to deliver success on the pitch. It’s a sports team. The Glazers are mistaking a great football club for a dividend generating machine.

There is a certain structure of operations that the board adheres to at the expense of calamities on the pitch week after week. The structure affects all key areas. Most importantly for fans – it comes down to team performance on the pitch. How? In short, not making sporting excellence as the main goal.

• Manchester United needs to be owned by fans by reserving majority of its shares for independent investors.
• The footballing side of the club needs to operate autonomously and valued more.
• The commercial side of the club needs to have less influence on the footballing side.

Of course it’s not black and white. The two sides depend on each other. The commercial and footballing sides need to have a balance and friction to move the club forward. Keeping success on the pitch as the main goal.

We have a great squad.

Fans of Manchester United will play a critical role to set the directions the club takes.

Join Manchester United Supporters Trust movement for fan ownership.