Glazer's Show Their Faces

Trouble Brewing?
By Chris O'Brien
August 10 2005

Malcolm Glazer's three sons, all non-executive directors of Manchester United FC, were in attendance at the Red Devils' first competitive game since the transatlantic takeover. These are interesting times.

It was once thought that the Glazer family, despite owning Manchester United Football Club, would not be able to set foot in Old Trafford. However, although mass protests against the transatlantic takeover peacefully went off outside the ground, Joel, Avi and Bryan Glazer were all in attendance for United's first competitive game since the American capture.

Roughly 700 supporters marched outside Old Trafford in opposition to the Glazer's arrival in Lancashire. The attendance at the game was poor for MUFC - 51,701 witnessed Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney do the damage as United all-but secured qualification for the Champions League finals with a 3-0 victory over Hungarian side Debrecen.

The poor attendance could be down to a whole host of things. Undoubtedly, some fans disillusioned with Glazer would have given this game a miss but also the early start to the season, the expected ease of the victory and the lack of hype surrounding the fixture could all have contributed. Also, ground construction restricted the capacity. Still, there was a clear anti-Glazer feeling around the ground but that didn't stop the three brothers celebrating United's win in a half-hearted manner before going down to the changing rooms to congratulate the entire 'roster'.

Sir Alex Ferguson praised the Glazer brothers after the game. What else could the Scotsman, who previously spoke out against the takeover and praised rebel supporters groups like Shareholders United, do with his job on the line?

"The brothers have a good sporting background," Ferguson said. "I am sure they are reasonably acquainted with the game of football but I think they have enthusiasm to learn more, which if you own a club you should want to."

"The fans forgot everything that has happened and got on with the supporting the team, and the team responded," he added. "The fans were solidly behind the team and that was pleasing because there were some inner fears within the club, myself included, that maybe there was going to be some sort of protest which does not do you any good."

Nevertheless, chants against the Glazer family could be heard ringing around the Stretford End.
Was this a show of defiance from the American family? Only time will tell, but it was certainly an interesting night both on and off the field for Manchester United.