Would Man Utd's Premier League Record Count?
Excessive Revenue Advantage May Tarnish MUFC Prem League Triumph
Manchester’s finest are not just reigning Premier League titleholders. They have dominated this modern incarnation of the top flight since its inception in 1992, with a remarkable 10 triumphs. Yet how much of this success is down to the ‘brand’ and the income it generates?
The Manchester United Brand Is Born
The club began as Newton Heath as long ago as 1878, but in truth was no great shakes until it came under the stewardship of inspirational manager Matt Busby. By one of many ironies that link United to their Merseyside peers, Busby was actually a former Liverpool captain in his playing days. The Glaswegian went on to create the marvellous team known as the ‘Busby Babes’, which was seemingly set to sweep all before them. Then, on 6th February 1958, the world changed. A flight returning from a European Cup tie crashed, killing such star players as Duncan Edwards and nearly Busby himself. The tragedy galvanised the world, inspired millions of fans and the Manchester United ‘brand’ was born.
European Cup Triumph Then Relegation
Phoenix-like, Busby recovered and built a second great team around the iconic triumvirate of Best, Law and Charlton. In 1968 this team achieved the European Cup success that was denied their predecessors a decade earlier. Soon, though, the now ageing team fell apart and the club reached its nadir with relegation to the old second division in 1974, ironically condemned to the drop by the feet of erstwhile hero Denis Law, now in the colours of cross-town rivals Manchester City.
Throughout the 1970’s United were in decline, famous only for football hooliganism. However, in spite of their poverty on the field, the United magic never waned in the eyes of many fans (often famously not from the city itself). The club remained the wealthiest in Britain, and was so rich it was able to lift the spine out of then mega-successful Leeds United in a futile attempt to recapture their earlier success.
Alex Ferguson Revives Man U Fortunes
Manchester United actually endured an astonishing 26 years without a championship until the arrival of the taciturn Scot Alex Ferguson in 1986. Ferguson's success has been staggering, almost on the scale of that enjoyed by successive Liverpool dynasties. However, unlike the Anfielders, who were always rather amateurish in business terms, the Scot's success has been buttressed by massive marketing muscle. Indeed, it’s no exaggeration to say that United invented the genre in terms of English football and have milked every penny of their brand equity worldwide. In 2007 United's revenue was quoted as £210 million, compared to Liverpool’s £134 million. Nor did the Merseysiders enjoy any form of financial superiority during their own glory years in the 1970’s and 80’s.
It also helps United that their Old Trafford ground is hugely bigger – 76,000 compared to a paltry 45,000 at Anfield. It all gives the now ennobled Fergie the clout to hoover up star players such as Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov from the likes of Everton and Tottenham Hotspur. Both these clubs were once proud institutions in their own right, yet have been utterly outclassed by the staggering wealth of United and latterly Chelsea. It shows. Games between United and Everton remain close, yet if Rooney reverted to his former employers, how much more of a contest would fans enjoy?
Red Devils Reviled and Revered in Equal Measure
This uneven financial playing field has rendered United reviled as much as revered in their native land. Not surprisingly. The once fiercely competitive English league is more predictable than it has ever been. Measures such as wage capping, as in rugby league, or a fairer allocation of TV money, as in the NFL, would do much to help, but given the clout United has with the FA they’re unlikely to transpire any time soon.
Indeed, it’s tempting to reflect that should it happen, the Red Devils' equalling of the all-time record may be something of a pyrrhic victory. Their strategy of making victory likely before a ball is even kicked by capturing the enemy’s artillery and turning it on them has simply worked too well.
Click here for the official club web site, click here for more information about Manchester United.
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