I am also not frightened of the GPC.
But, he (with the very influential David Gill) had a strong control of the media (e.g. barring certain journalists from press conferences) and referees. Remember how he managed to not talk to BBC, for what seemed ages, due to the BBC Panorama programme about his son's football agency links with MUFC ?
He also built up a right network of other managers (Allardyce & Pulis for example) that were within his power/influence. This was extended with ex-MUFC players becoming managers such as Bruce and Mark Hughes.
The GPC was a very powerful and influential man. Much more than any other modern day manager such as Shankly, Revie or Paisley.
Thankfully, despite what we think, the general media are not as "frightened" of MUFC as they one were - although the BBC Sports department, in Media City, still seem shit-scared of upsetting the Rags...