Man United have major long-term concern – ‘Going to be a problem’
Man United could be set to lose out on a huge portion of their global fanbase and face knock-on issues as a result, according to Paul Merson.
The Red Devils have already appointed their second manager of the season as the club’s owners desperately work to restore the 20-time Premier League champions to their former glory.
United are in major need of a summer rebuild, however, due to profit and sustainability rules (PSR), finances are extremely limited at the club.
This has led to Jim Ratcliffe raising ticket prices mid-season, a controversial move that has sparked protests from the fans.
Potential Man United fans will support teams that are winning says Paul Merson
United’s financial situation has come under intense scrutiny this season, and the club is currently in over £700million of debt.
The club built up a huge global fanbase during Alex Ferguson’s time in charge at the club, but since the Scottish manager’s departure, the team have been unable to find success on the pitch.
That is now tipped to see worldwide support among younger generations fall away and United’s status diminished among potential fans, and future signings.
Speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday, former Arsenal legend, Merson, explained why the club’s on-field woes may have dire long-term consequences for the Red Devils, saying (1.22pm): “They’ve got to be careful, Man United, because we say they’re one of the biggest clubs in the world, and that reason is because of 20-odd years ago, when they were successful.
“Because the Premier League goes all around the world these young kids who are growing up, who are seven, eight years of age now around the world, they will support the team that are winning, and that’s where it starts.
| 2024/25 Premier League table | Games played | Goal difference | Points |
| 14. Man United | 27 | -6 | 33 |
| 15. West Ham | 27 | -15 | 33 |
| 16. Everton | 27 | -4 | 32 |
| 17. Wolves | 27 | -19 | 22 |
| 18. Ipswich | 27 | -31 | 18 |
| 19. Leicester | 27 | -36 | 17 |
| 20. Southampton | 27 | -46 | 10 |
“If you’re seven or eight years of age now and living anywhere around the world you’re not picking Man United as your Premier League team, and this is going to be a problem in 15-20 years time.
“They’ll get caught up and they won’t be anywhere near the biggest club in the world then…seven, eight, nine-year-olds round the world, their first team they start supporting is the team that’s winning games.”
Ex-Crystal Palace forward, Clinton Morrison, then chimed in, saying to Merson: “That’s the best point you’ve made all season.”
Man United must find financial solution or risk losing star players as well as fans
Having established themselves as one of world football’s best teams in the early 2000s, the club piggy-backed off that success by becoming the best supported team in Asia, setting the tone with the now commonplace pre-season tours abroad.
However, having lost their position at the top of both world, and English football, global fans are now supporting other teams, and in turn, United could lose out financially.
Whilst the long-term concerns are extremely valid, the Red Devils must find a short-term solution to their financial crisis.
Kobbie Mainoo may be sold by the club, and Alejandro Garnacho has been linked with a move to Chelsea, as the team look to cash-in on their valuable academy graduates.
It is a strategy that has largely worked out for their cross-town rivals City, who made huge profits in selling Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia, but the underlying issue in that comparison is that, the Sky Blues were in a position to be successful without those players.