Your Debts Not Ours We Want Our Manchester United Club Back – Fans Chants Outside Before Arsenal Match
Manchester United is one of the biggest football clubs in the world, with a rich history, an unmatched global fanbase, and a legacy of success. However, in recent years, the club has drifted further away from its core identity, leaving fans frustrated and desperate for change. The phrase “We want our Manchester United club back” has become a rallying cry among supporters who feel that the club has lost its way due to poor ownership, mismanagement, and a lack of ambition.
For decades, Manchester United was synonymous with attacking football, a winning mentality, and a deep connection with its supporters. Under Sir Matt Busby and later Sir Alex Ferguson, the club built a dynasty based on youth development, bold tactics, and a relentless desire to be the best. However, since Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, Manchester United has struggled to maintain its identity, leading to disappointment both on and off the pitch.
This article explores why fans feel disconnected from their club, what has gone wrong at Manchester United, and what needs to change for the club to regain its former glory.
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1. The Glazer Ownership and the Decline of Manchester United
One of the biggest reasons fans feel alienated from Manchester United is the ownership of the Glazer family. Since their controversial takeover in 2005, the club has been run more as a business venture than a football club with sporting ambition. The Glazers’ ownership has been characterized by:
Debt and Financial Exploitation: The Glazers used leveraged buyouts to purchase the club, saddling Manchester United with massive debt. Instead of reinvesting profits into the squad and infrastructure, they have taken out hundreds of millions in dividends, weakening the club’s financial strength.
Poor Recruitment and Managerial Instability: Since Ferguson retired, the club has gone through several managers—David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, José Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Ralf Rangnick, and Erik ten Hag—without a clear long-term strategy.
Lack of Footballing Vision: Unlike clubs such as Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal, United has lacked a clear sporting direction. Decisions have been driven by commercial interests rather than footballing priorities.
Failure to Modernize Infrastructure: Old Trafford, once one of the most iconic stadiums in world football, has fallen into decline with little investment in modernization. Meanwhile, training facilities have lagged behind those of their Premier League rivals.
These issues have made fans feel that the club is being run for profit rather than for footballing success. Many believe that until the Glazers sell the club or change their approach, United will continue to underachieve.
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2. The Loss of Identity and Playing Style
Manchester United was once known for its attacking football, fearless mentality, and ability to produce world-class talents from its academy. Under Ferguson, the team played with speed, intensity, and creativity. However, since his departure, the club has struggled to maintain a consistent footballing identity.
Defensive and Cautious Approaches: Several managers, including Mourinho and Van Gaal, implemented more pragmatic, defensive football, moving away from United’s traditional attacking style. This frustrated fans who were accustomed to exciting, front-foot football.
Lack of Youth Integration: While some academy graduates like Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho have made an impact, the club has not consistently developed young talent in the way it did during the Class of ‘92 era.
Failure to Dominate Big Games: Under Ferguson, United thrived in big matches and were feared by opponents. Today, the club often struggles against the top teams, leading to a loss of the aura that once defined them.
Fans want a return to the aggressive, attacking football that made Manchester United a dominant force in world football. A strong tactical identity and commitment to youth development are essential to bringing the club back to its roots.
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3. Poor Recruitment and Wasted Transfers
Another major factor in United’s decline has been poor transfer decisions. Despite spending over £1 billion on players since 2013, United has failed to build a truly competitive squad. The lack of a clear recruitment strategy has led to:
Overpaying for Players: The club has repeatedly spent huge fees on players who failed to deliver, such as Paul Pogba (£89m), Romelu Lukaku (£75m), Jadon Sancho (£73m), and Antony (£85m).
Short-Term Signings: Players like Radamel Falcao, Alexis Sánchez, and Edinson Cavani were signed without long-term planning, leading to squad imbalances.
Ignoring Key Positions: For years, United neglected crucial areas, such as defensive midfield and right-wing, despite glaring weaknesses.
No Clear Philosophy in Signings: Unlike clubs like Manchester City or Liverpool, which sign players to fit a system, United has often bought players without considering how they would fit into the team.
For Manchester United to bounce back, they need a structured recruitment approach led by football experts, not commercial executives. A director of football with a clear vision is essential for ensuring smart, long-term investments in the squad.
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4. The Disconnect Between the Club and the Fans
Manchester United has always been a club deeply connected to its supporters. However, in recent years, many fans feel that they have been pushed aside in favor of commercial interests.
Expensive Tickets and Lack of Atmosphere: Ticket prices have increased, while the atmosphere at Old Trafford has suffered due to corporate influences.
Lack of Communication from Owners: The Glazers have rarely engaged with fans or addressed concerns about the club’s direction.
Protests and Fan Movements: Movements like #GlazersOut and fan protests highlight the growing dissatisfaction among supporters. Many believe that only a change in ownership can truly restore the club’s identity.
For the club to rebuild its connection with the fans, it must involve them in key decisions, improve matchday experiences, and ensure that football, not money, is the priority.
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5. What Needs to Happen for Manchester United to Come Back?
If Manchester United wants to return to the top, several key changes must take place:
1. Ownership Change or New Footballing Leadership
If the Glazers remain, they must appoint football experts to run the club, rather than making commercial-driven decisions.
If they sell, new owners must prioritize sporting success over financial gain.
2. A Clear Footballing Vision
Hire a strong director of football who will implement a long-term strategy.
Appoint a manager who fits United’s attacking philosophy and fully back them.
3. Smarter Recruitment
Sign players who fit the system, rather than expensive big names.
Focus on young talents and develop players through the academy.
4. Modernize the Club’s Infrastructure
Invest in Old Trafford’s renovation to improve the stadium experience.
Upgrade training facilities to attract world-class talent.
5. Reconnect with the Fans
Lower ticket prices to ensure a better atmosphere.
Improve communication between the club and its supporters.
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Conclusion: A Club at a Crossroads
Manchester United remains one of the biggest clubs in the world, but its identity has been lost due to poor ownership, mismanagement, and a lack of long-term vision. Fans are desperate to see their club return to the top, playing exciting football, winning trophies, and reconnecting with its history.
The demand for “We want our Manchester United club back” is not just about nostalgia—it is a call for the club to embrace its true values, prioritize football over business, and restore its place among Europe’s elite. Whether through new ownership or structural changes, Manchester United must take bold steps to reclaim its greatness. If the right decisions are made, there is no reason why United cannot return to the top of English and world football.
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