25-01-2010, 07:47 AM
Fergie pleads for United unity
Sir Alex Ferguson has called for unity around Manchester United after revelations of their financial worries sparked disharmony.
Although a successful £500million bond issueappears to have removed any imminent threat to the club, supporters are now aware United's overall debt has topped the £700million mark.
In addition, as part of the prospectus issued with the bond, it was revealed that options to raise cash include the sale of United's Carrington training base and their Old Trafford ground.
That has been enough to mobilise the anti-Glazer minority within the club's fan base.
After a well-attended meeting last week, at which one fan called for Ferguson to resign, supporters inside Old Trafford for the win over Burnley chanted 'We want Glazer out'.
With a fresh campaign named 'Love United Hate Glazer" surfacing amongst fans, Ferguson is reminding supporters of the need to back their team.
"The family of Manchester United is under pressure as a result of all the issues surrounding the ownership and financial situation of our club," Ferguson said in the official match programme, United Review.
"Some of our fans are clearly unhappy with our financial position, but we mustn't allow the situation to become divisive.
"The danger is that we could be presented as being split, which would be harmful and inaccurate, because I believe the vast majority of United fans are behind us and appreciate the importance of standing together in support of the team.
"I could see our opponents rubbing their hands with glee at the thought of watching us fall out among ourselves if we don't think carefully about what we are doing.
"We must not lose our focus - which is about building a strong football team that will win trophies. That is what we are about, or at least it should be."
Momentum
With anti-Glazer campaigns gaining momentum ahead of their Carling Cup semi-final second leg with Manchester City at Old Trafford on Wednesday, Ferguson continued his rally cry by pointing to the club's glorious past.
"We must remain loyal to the cause of Manchester United," he continued.
"The staff and players should be quite one-eyed about that and stay true to the history of the club and all the work done by Sir Matt Busby and the other managers who have contributed to creating the great club we have at Old Trafford today.
"This is not about stifling criticism. It is simply a plea to stand together rather than take action that will damage ourselves more than anyone else.
"Manchester United is bigger than me, the players, the directors, the officials and fans. And, particularly at this critical stage of the season, we need to pull in the same direction.
"It would be a shame to lose our concentration now because I can really see light at the end of the tunnel as we ready ourselves to push for the championship."
Source: skysports.com
I think it was quite clear on Saturday that the fans inside OT got behind the team when they were needed, but also waded into the anti-Glazer feeling very loudly. I guess in some instances, SAF has to toe the party line?
Sir Alex Ferguson has called for unity around Manchester United after revelations of their financial worries sparked disharmony.
Although a successful £500million bond issueappears to have removed any imminent threat to the club, supporters are now aware United's overall debt has topped the £700million mark.
In addition, as part of the prospectus issued with the bond, it was revealed that options to raise cash include the sale of United's Carrington training base and their Old Trafford ground.
That has been enough to mobilise the anti-Glazer minority within the club's fan base.
After a well-attended meeting last week, at which one fan called for Ferguson to resign, supporters inside Old Trafford for the win over Burnley chanted 'We want Glazer out'.
With a fresh campaign named 'Love United Hate Glazer" surfacing amongst fans, Ferguson is reminding supporters of the need to back their team.
"The family of Manchester United is under pressure as a result of all the issues surrounding the ownership and financial situation of our club," Ferguson said in the official match programme, United Review.
"Some of our fans are clearly unhappy with our financial position, but we mustn't allow the situation to become divisive.
"The danger is that we could be presented as being split, which would be harmful and inaccurate, because I believe the vast majority of United fans are behind us and appreciate the importance of standing together in support of the team.
"I could see our opponents rubbing their hands with glee at the thought of watching us fall out among ourselves if we don't think carefully about what we are doing.
"We must not lose our focus - which is about building a strong football team that will win trophies. That is what we are about, or at least it should be."
Momentum
With anti-Glazer campaigns gaining momentum ahead of their Carling Cup semi-final second leg with Manchester City at Old Trafford on Wednesday, Ferguson continued his rally cry by pointing to the club's glorious past.
"We must remain loyal to the cause of Manchester United," he continued.
"The staff and players should be quite one-eyed about that and stay true to the history of the club and all the work done by Sir Matt Busby and the other managers who have contributed to creating the great club we have at Old Trafford today.
"This is not about stifling criticism. It is simply a plea to stand together rather than take action that will damage ourselves more than anyone else.
"Manchester United is bigger than me, the players, the directors, the officials and fans. And, particularly at this critical stage of the season, we need to pull in the same direction.
"It would be a shame to lose our concentration now because I can really see light at the end of the tunnel as we ready ourselves to push for the championship."
Source: skysports.com
I think it was quite clear on Saturday that the fans inside OT got behind the team when they were needed, but also waded into the anti-Glazer feeling very loudly. I guess in some instances, SAF has to toe the party line?