Pokes28
Well-Known Member
United benefits from the belief that when they are winning that everybody in the Premier League is better off (financially). We have the same thing in the US in the NFL. When Dallas is winning, the league makes a lot more money and has an easier time with TV negotiations. The problem is that the ownership in Dallas can't get out of the way enough to allow the team to be allowed to become good again.
The issue really occurs if United's problems are more than a one year dive. Say they barely qualify for Europa next year. They spend a gazillion pounds trying to replace the dead weight on their team but the added impact of Thursday matches out of country and they again finish out of the top four. Now they really start to suffer as the plastic fans leave in droves and the champions money is no longer coming in. At that point FFP holds United out of the elite group just like it was intended to do to City or other clubs that aren't on the insider list.
Either way, it is really undeniable that United has gotten the benefit of a generous officiating, helpful scheduling, etc over the years. The hows and whys are not relevant to me.
The issue really occurs if United's problems are more than a one year dive. Say they barely qualify for Europa next year. They spend a gazillion pounds trying to replace the dead weight on their team but the added impact of Thursday matches out of country and they again finish out of the top four. Now they really start to suffer as the plastic fans leave in droves and the champions money is no longer coming in. At that point FFP holds United out of the elite group just like it was intended to do to City or other clubs that aren't on the insider list.
Either way, it is really undeniable that United has gotten the benefit of a generous officiating, helpful scheduling, etc over the years. The hows and whys are not relevant to me.