Manchester United Executives Who Must Go: Uncovering The Dark Side Of Glazer Family's Regime

Manchester United, one of the most successful and storied football clubs in the world, has been plagued by controversy and discontent among fans, players, and staff for years. At the heart of the crisis is the Glazer family, who took over the club in 2005 and have been at the helm ever since. While the Glazers have been credited with increasing the club's valuation and generating significant revenue, their ownership model has been widely criticized for prioritizing profits over people and perpetuating a toxic culture within the club.

The Glazer family's ownership model, which involves taking Manchester United public through a Leveraged Buyout (LBO) and subsequently issuing shares to investors, has been a contentious issue for many years. Critics argue that this model has led to the erosion of the club's identity and values, and has created a power struggle between the Glazers and the club's management and supporters. Additionally, the LBO has resulted in significant debt, which has weighed heavily on the club's financial performance and has raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of the business.

One of the key executives who must go is Ed Woodward, the current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Manchester United. Woodward has been at the helm of the club since 2012, and has been credited with implementing several major reforms, including the creation of a new recruitment strategy and the establishment of a women's team. However, his tenure has also been marked by controversy, including the club's handling of the departure of star player Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009 and the divisive appointment of Louis van Gaal as manager in 2014.

Woodward's tenure has also been marred by criticism of his leadership style and his prioritization of profit over people. In a 2019 report, a group of former Manchester United players and staff criticized Woodward for his role in the club's financial mismanagement, including the decision to issue more shares to investors and the prioritization of debt repayment over investment in the team. The report also accused Woodward of being out of touch with the club's fans and players, and of lacking the necessary leadership qualities to navigate the club through a period of significant change.

The Glazer Family's Leadership Style

The Glazer family's leadership style has been widely criticized for being autocratic and dictatorial. The family's owner, the Drummond Family Trust, has significant influence over the club's decision-making process, and the Glazers have been accused of using their wealth and influence to silence critics and opposition.

The Glazers have also been criticized for their handling of the club's finances, including the decision to issue more shares to investors and the prioritization of debt repayment over investment in the team. This approach has resulted in significant criticism from fans and former players, who argue that the club's financial strategy is prioritizing profits over people.

Ed Woodward's Legacy

Ed Woodward's legacy as CEO of Manchester United is complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, he has been credited with implementing several major reforms, including the creation of a new recruitment strategy and the establishment of a women's team. He has also been instrumental in securing significant investment for the club, including a major sponsorship deal with Aon in 2015.

However, Woodward's tenure has also been marked by controversy, including the club's handling of the departure of star player Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009 and the divisive appointment of Louis van Gaal as manager in 2014. His leadership style has also been criticized for being autocratic and dictatorial, and his prioritization of profit over people has raised concerns among fans and former players.

The Need for Change

The need for change at Manchester United is clear. The club's current leadership model, which prioritizes profits over people, is unsustainable and must be addressed. The Glazer family's ownership model, which involves taking the club public through an LBO and issuing shares to investors, has been widely criticized for its negative impact on the club's identity and values.

To address these issues, Manchester United needs to adopt a new leadership model that prioritizes the needs of the fans, players, and staff over profits. This could involve the introduction of a new ownership structure, such as a fan-led or community-owned model, which would give the club's supporters a greater stake in the business.

Former Players and Staff Speak Out

In recent years, several former players and staff have spoken out about the toxic culture within Manchester United. These former employees have criticized the club's leadership for prioritizing profits over people, and for creating a hostile and intimidating work environment.

Some of the most notable critics of the club's leadership include former players like Paul Scholes, David Beckham, and Ryan Giggs. These players have spoken out about the club's handling of player transfers, the lack of investment in the team, and the poor treatment of fans.

Other former staff members, like former chief scout John Murtough, have also spoken out about the club's leadership. Murtough has criticized the Glazers for their prioritization of profit over people, and for creating a toxic and unsustainable business model.

Unions and Fans React

Unions and fans have also reacted strongly to the toxic culture within Manchester United. In 2019, a group of Manchester United fans started a petition calling for the Glazer family to sell the club. The petition, which gained significant traction on social media, was backed by several former players and staff.

The petition highlighted the club's poor treatment of fans, including the decision to raise ticket prices and the lack of investment in the team. The petition also criticized the Glazers for their prioritization of profit over people, and for creating a hostile and intimidating work environment.

Possible Solutions

There are several possible solutions to the problems facing Manchester United. One potential solution is the introduction of a new ownership