Malcolm Glazer’s death will usher in a new dawn for Manchester United, claims FC United board member John Nicholson.
Glazer, from New York, passed away last month aged 85.
The American had been in poor health since suffering two strokes shortly after seizing control of the Old Trafford outfit in 2005, following a controversial £790m takeover.
FC United formed the same year in protest to the takeover and the huge debt that came along with it.
Despite winning five Premier League titles and one Champions League trophy under Glazer’s ownership, United fans failed to ever fully back the tycoon.
The fan-base believed his mission was merely to use Manchester United’s power as a tool to finance his debts rather than to make major investments, and it remains to be seen what the Glazer family will now do with their 90% stake.
“From a personal point of view, I think it was a ridiculous way to run a club,” Nicholson told MM.
“For the takeover to happen was a big mistake for Premier League football itself – he came in and brought along his debt with him, which subsequently was turned into the club’s debt.
“I think the success of Sir Alex Ferguson masked the deficit caused but I would like to think that is the end of that particular model of how a club is run – we will just have to wait and see.”
The recruit of Louis van Gaal has brought renewed optimism following a nightmare season for the Red Devils, and it is an equally exciting time for FC United as they await completion of their new ground.
Nicholson, who also oversees community responsibilities at the fan-owned club, has moved to calm those who are against FCUM’s new Moston ground, Broadhurst Park.
“The feedback has been both positive and negative and for people to be worried about it is understandable, but our aim is to make the community very much part of it,” he said.
“FC United have been working positively for three years in Moston and we have received some overwhelming support.
“We are hoping to be linked with up to 14 schools, and then continue to develop the partnership within the community even further.”
Image courtesy of Andre Zahn, with thanks.
