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In 2004, Manchester United was the richest football club in the world, with global commercial success to match its dominance on the pitch.
By the end of 2005 the club had been plunged into record levels of debt, as Malcolm Glazer took over and used it as an asset to secure huge loans. To this day, the debt is estimated to be well in excess of £300m.
The fans were furious. It was an insult to the achievements of their magnificent club – to the traditions and heritage that United represented. But whilst they were largely unified in concern, one group took matters a step further. They were soon christened the Red Rebels by Manchester Evening News. As the club they loved was being stripped from them, they walked away to build their own – a decision which tore Manchester United's fan base apart and caused ructions that continue to this day.
This is the story of FC United of Manchester, the new club born out of a supporter revolution. It is a club built against all odds, with a transparent manifesto designed to protect their passionate fans. But, as generations that have gone before will testify, football today is a very different game. How long can a modern British club stay true to its principles? And in a noble attempt to do so, could it ultimately tear itself apart?
