When Malcolm Glazer and his consortium made his successful take-over bid of Manchester United last summer, plunging the richest club in the world into massive debt, it is fair to say that many fans weren't happy.
Effigies were burnt and season ticket renewal forms were publicly destroyed, but out of the ashes a strong fan base emerged with a master plan; create their own club.
FC Utd of Manchester was duly formed and is today arguably one of the most successful teams in Manchester.
They may not have won any trophies, have their own stadium or boast world-class players in their side, but the club's existence and current league position are proof that fans have substantial power.
Founded with voluntary donations from thousands of disaffected and disenfranchised Manchester United supporters in the summer of 2005, the clubs’ aim is to “create a sustainable club for the long term, which is owned and democratically run by its members, which is accessible to all the communities of Manchester and one in which they can participate fully.â€
“FC United of Manchester will be formed as a member-owned, democratic, and non-profit making entity,†its manifesto reads, “we have ambitious and long term plans; above all we want to be seen as a good example of how a club can be run in the interests of its members and be of benefit to its local communities.â€
The club as yet cannot afford its own ground so they play their home fixtures at the grounds of local professional teams Bury and Conference strugglers Altricham Town.
