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Lee Sharpe: 'Glazer family's ownership of Manchester United is a disgrace'
Former winger says Old Trafford debt mountain has undone two decades of success
| Bet: | Returns: | Ajax £34.00 | Draw £33.00 | Manchester United £20.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Ajax £33.00 | Draw £34.00 | Manchester United £19.10 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Ajax £34.00 | Draw £33.00 | Manchester United £20.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Ajax £36.00 | Draw £35.00 | Manchester United £20.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Ajax £35.50 | Draw £32.00 | Manchester United £19.70 |
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19 Jan 2010 11:00:00
EXCLUSIVE
By Matt Monaghan | Manchester United Correspondent
Lee Sharpe today branded the £700 million debt mountain amassed at Manchester United by its controversial American owners as 'disgraceful'.
The 38-year-old former Old Trafford 'wonderkid' said the Glazer family's running of the club had 'undermined' two decades of success at the club under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Speaking ahead of tonight's Carling Cup semi-final clash between Manchester United and Manchester City, Sharpe said: “It’s disgraceful and a huge shame what is going on with the debt.
"The hard work carried out by Sir Alex Ferguson and everyone at the club over the last 20 years is at threat."
“United have been winning titles galore, building the club up in to a force. The Glazer’s have undermined all this hard work and stole its thunder.
“Who made the decision to sell to the Glazers? It’s wrong that the club has been put in to so much debt and then you hear stories of them taking money out of the club as well…
“At the end of the day, good players cost a lot of money. When even Manchester United can’t afford to buy players, you know that something is seriously wrong.
“I’m sure that the manager and the fans will put a stop to it. From the outside looking in it seems that everything is being taken from underneath them.”
Figures released last week showed that the Red Devils would have made a loss last year had they not sold Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for £80 million.
They also revealed that the club continue to be burdened by heavy interest payments following the takeover of the club by the Glazer family in 2005.
There were also reports suggesting that the owners may be forced to sell Wayne Rooney, the club's Carrington training ground or even Old Trafford should the debt situation not ease.
The revelations have led to a growing movement against the owners from the Old Trafford fans.
Banners and a series of vitriol-filled chants denouncing the American stewardship of the club were witnessed at Old Trafford for the 3-0 victory against Burnley at the weekend.
By Matt Monaghan | Manchester United Correspondent
Lee Sharpe today branded the £700 million debt mountain amassed at Manchester United by its controversial American owners as 'disgraceful'.
The 38-year-old former Old Trafford 'wonderkid' said the Glazer family's running of the club had 'undermined' two decades of success at the club under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Speaking ahead of tonight's Carling Cup semi-final clash between Manchester United and Manchester City, Sharpe said: “It’s disgraceful and a huge shame what is going on with the debt.
"The hard work carried out by Sir Alex Ferguson and everyone at the club over the last 20 years is at threat."
“United have been winning titles galore, building the club up in to a force. The Glazer’s have undermined all this hard work and stole its thunder.
“Who made the decision to sell to the Glazers? It’s wrong that the club has been put in to so much debt and then you hear stories of them taking money out of the club as well…
“At the end of the day, good players cost a lot of money. When even Manchester United can’t afford to buy players, you know that something is seriously wrong.
“I’m sure that the manager and the fans will put a stop to it. From the outside looking in it seems that everything is being taken from underneath them.”
Figures released last week showed that the Red Devils would have made a loss last year had they not sold Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for £80 million.
They also revealed that the club continue to be burdened by heavy interest payments following the takeover of the club by the Glazer family in 2005.
There were also reports suggesting that the owners may be forced to sell Wayne Rooney, the club's Carrington training ground or even Old Trafford should the debt situation not ease.
The revelations have led to a growing movement against the owners from the Old Trafford fans.
Banners and a series of vitriol-filled chants denouncing the American stewardship of the club were witnessed at Old Trafford for the 3-0 victory against Burnley at the weekend.
Sharpe spent eight years in Manchester before leaving for Leeds United in 1996. Thrilling the crowd from the left wing after he made his debut as an 18 year old, he grabbed 36 goals in 265 appearances for the Red Devils.
He said he will be watching tonight's clash and is confident United can beat their big-spending rivals over two legs.
During his time at Old Trafford, City were anything but the financial force they have become since Sheikh Mansour’s dramatic takeover more than a year ago.
While United have been struggling under of mountain of debt, City have spend more than £200 million on new players in a bid to become a force in British football.
A team mate from that time was former Blues manager Mark Hughes.
Sharpe said the club's recent decision to sack the the Welshman was 'really harsh' and said he doubted whether his replacement, Roberto Mancini would do a better job.
He said: “‘Sparky’ [Mark Hughes] was doing a really good job. Manchester City were in the top four or five and were just a few points away.
“I thought it was a really, really harsh to sack Hughes. Mancini is a great manager, but he won’t do any better or worse than ‘Sparky.’”
Carlos Tevez will be preparing to take centre stage at Eastlands against his old employer. Sharpe said he is sure the Argentinian will shine tonight but United will go through to the final.
He said: “Carlos Tevez is an important player in any team; he works harder than any footballer and loves to play the game. You can bet he’ll be breaking his neck to play tonight and score a goal."
“United are such a hard team to play against though. I got beat 4-0 when I was at Leeds and Bradford, and even with a weakened team they are still so hard to beat.
“I’m going for a draw tonight and then a United win at Old Trafford. Although, I don’t know if that’s my heart ruling my head.”
Pitchero is the UK's No.1 online network for amateur sport. To create your club or league website visit www.pitchero.com.
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