By Powerscourt on 22/11/2023
This morning we were pleased to host a range of friends of Powerscourt for a breakfast event to celebrate the launch of the new book “The World’s Biggest Cash Machine: Manchester United, The Glazers and the struggle for Football’s soul” authored by Chris Blackhurst, former editor the Independent (pictured with Rory Godson, founder of Powerscourt).
Chris regaled our guests with stories and anecdotes from the many interviews he conducted over the past year as he researched and penned his book – from the infamous tale of the Rock of Gibraltar racehorse to the Glazer’s first visit to Old Trafford, when they ended up being smuggled out of the stadium, in the back of a police van to avoid the fan protests.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s deal to purchase a 25 per stake in the club still hangs in the balance after months of negotiation and procrastination. Chris’s book is a fascinating account of the club and an insight into the key protagonists in Manchester United’s turbulent and chequered recent history.
While the commercial side of Manchester United has prospered under the Glazer’s ownership, the performances on the pitch, the club’s ethos and broader reputation have suffered. It’s a telling reminder to corporations and organisations of any kind that it is vital they engage all audiences, across every channel and consider the multifaceted needs of all their stakeholders – not just those with a vested financial interest.
Whether the Ratcliffe deal will lead the club to its former glory days remains to be seen, but the millions of fans around the world will certainly hope it is the start of a brighter chapter.
“The World’s Biggest Cash Machine: Manchester United, The Glazers and the struggle for Football’s soul” by Chris Blackhurst is out now