Thanks mate. Stories of entrepreneurs/founders/autocrats who can't let go and the decimation of their businesses in the wake of their departures are legion, not just in business, but in politics (think dictators). The Glazers couldn't see this because they are dim (they don't have the best rep as real estate moguls over here; lotta leverage too) and the toadies left over like Woodward are all hat, no cattle as they say in Texas -- exactly how Purple Nose wanted it.
They only way they rebuild is to go wandering in the desert (or the abyss) for a while -- meaning break down the organization to its core and start over, place in the table be damned -- new players, new management, probably new ownership. They aren't complete morons -- they know this. But they're unwilling to do it because the cash cow doesn't survive a period of prolonged failure. My guess is they become Arsenal (who, by the way, are going to go through the same thing when Wenger leaves -- difference being Purple Nose knew when to leave) or Liverpool -- always "big" enough to generate funds, but not enough to win titles consistently.
Utd's cock-ups aren't surprising to me when looked through the lens of business management and leadership transition. Predicting even more difficulty isn't hard either.
And by the way, I've also always thought of HRH SM's investment in City as no different than a venture capital investment, which is one reason why FFP pissed me off so much. Can you imagine what would happen to business if early-stage venture capital-backed entities were somehow made illegal because they lost money for openers? Inane.
They are Walmart and City is Amazon. IMO the future is (sky) bluer than almost anyone in England thinks.
