Manchester United Football Club

But why did you not all protest when united floated on the stock exchange?
Answer, because everyone was gleefull at the amount of money this would and did bring in.

There were protests though i was far too young to take part i remember them. The original float was sold to the fans as an opportunity to own part of the club though as well as helping fund the necesary ground redevelopments post Hillsborough.

I do see your point though.

I dont really blame the Irish pair, i hoped they would stay long term but i think their hand was forced when SU began talks with Nomura. If that plan had succeeded the club would have been safe from the likes of Glazer but it also meant the offer of 300p per share was unlikely to be matched.

I do think Martin Edwards role shouldnt be forgotten in all this though. His father helped Busby build the club and when Edwards sold his significant holdings he put Utd at risk of this, as well as selling his own fathers legacy

As usual Utd are pioneers here but its quit likely plenty of big clubs will follow, even Milan could fall prey as Berlusconi wont be around forever