For over a year, Malcolm Glazer (the amish beard sporting lad who owns the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) has been on a quest to buy the world's most popular (and profitable) sports franchise: Manchester United.
"Man U" as it is called in the business owns a global brand and is revered throughout the world (yes, even in the states). Fans pay hundreds of pounds a year for MANUTV and they line up in countries throughout the globe for the teams annual "barnstorming" tours.
So the idea of a "Yank" like Glazer buying out a coveted brand like this has caused quite a stir from Man U fans and the Brits responded in their usual restrained manner. See below...
Cars owned by Manchester United directors who sold their shares to Glazer have been damaged; a party held by one of Glazer's financial advisers, J.P. Morgan (nyse: JPM - news - people ), was invaded by fans, with wine being tipped over guests; and an invasion of the Manchester offices of another of Glazer's advisors, N.M. Rothschild, was only thwarted when the would-be protesters got stuck in an elevator.
The 30,000 strong fans who are part of "Shareholders United," A small but very vocal group who owns a minority interest in the club have threatened to boycott the club by cancelling season tickets and picketing outside of Man U's Old Trafford Stadium.
It's too bad that won't matter. Glazer owns 76% of the club (he bought over 40% from two Irish horse racing magnates) and he is now fully in charge. He plans to take the club private on June 22nd and install his son as the managing partner (now that's a good idea). Glazer's purchase has piled debt onto once debt free Man U and will put the pressure on the club to get it done on the pitch. With player costs skyrocketing in the Premiership (and across Europe as well) Man U will have to continue to pony up to keep the pound sterling flowing in.
Hawk's View: Glazer is going to pull a Soccer version of Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys. When Jones bought the "Boys" in 1989 he quickly became the Black Sheep of the NFL. He cut his own deals and dared the league to do something about it. Glazer will try the same thing with the Premiership TV deal (which he is looking to vacate after next year) and may do the same with his worldwide sponsors. In the end, Man U's fans may not like the fact a Yank owns their club, but anybody who can turn the Tampa Bay Buccaneers into a winner cannot be underestimated. Look for Man U to get its swagger back both on the Pitch and in the boardroom.
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