Forbes magazine has today announced that Manchester United are the most valuable football club in the World, with Real Madrid coming some way behind in second. This news contrasts that of years gone by, when all the focus on the Glazers left us with doom and gloom.
Now, don’t get me wrong, we’re not out of the woods yet, not by a long shot, but it’s encouraging to see the club making great progress in the money market. Fears of ending up like Leeds scum should still be within us somewhere, but they are easier to suppress when news like this is announced. However soulless it may appear, the future of our football club depends on making money, so it’s a huge relief to hear that is what we’re doing.
Forbes value United at £905 million, with Real Madrid worth £646m and Arsenal closely following them in 3rd at £603m (which certainly begs the question, why would Wenger not bring in the players needed at the price they’re being asked, instead of stubbornly refusing to be overcharged, and pay the price with another trophyless season!). Liverpool roll in at 4th, whilst Chelsea have been valued 8th, 4 places above Spurs.
So here we are, the most valuable football “brand”. Winning the league and CL will go on to secure that for another year. However, I can’t help but feel it’s a rather sad state of affairs that we don’t feel the pressure of wrapping up glory for glory’s sake, but for the financial advantages it brings with it…
We’ll Never Die.
Scotty,
Have been reading your blog for many a year. I’ve never written. Let me also advance context by saying that I’m drunk. This may explain my decision to write. I just want to raise issue with your final comment. After reading your musings for so long, I find it hard to believe that you ‘can’t help but feeling that it’s a rather sad state of affairs that we don’t feel the pressure of wrapping up glory for glory’s sake, but for the financial advantages it brings with it…’. Do you really feel this? I mean, I understand the financial pressures of the club - but I can’t honestly see this filtering down to the players and the fans at Old Trafford. I don’t speak for everyone, but would hasten to say that we don’t think ‘Shit we better win this tie for the 20 million quid we’ll gain to service the Glazer debt’. I could be wrong though. I think the likes of Park, Scholes, Rooney etc. ARE doing it for pure glory, as are the majority of fans. I know the business is inherently linked with on-field performances, but on the other hand, fuck the business. I don’t cheer a win because it helps refinance a debt. How depressing is that? Now, I want to let you know that I don’t write out of disrespect for what you said - quite the opposite. I’m just probably surprised that those thoughts go through the head of the United faithful (someone like yourself). I do desire a win for the sake of glory. However, because I respect what you say I do wonder whether the financial gains are considered when thinking about a United win. Let me know.