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Manchester Disunited: And the Business of Soccer
Manchester United is the most valuable soccer brand in the world?it has the highest turnover, biggest profits, widest fan base, and, over recent years, the best players and greatest success. But then star player David Beckham was sold to Real Madrid, record-buy Wayne Rooney developed an unenviable disciplinary and gambling record, and their inspirational defender Roy Keane departed, apparently after a volcanic bust-up with Sir Alex Ferguson, who in 2004 himself fell out with the club's two major shareholders over the jointly owned racehorse Rock of Gibraltar. In 2005 the club succumbed to a controversial takeover by Malcolm Glazer, the American tycoon. United were eliminated from the lucrative Champions' League, and beaten to the Premiership by high-spending Chelsea. Now Mihir Bose tells the full story of how this sporting behemoth became the inevitable victim of its own success.
373 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2006
16 people want to read
About the author
Mihir Bose
51 books17 followersAbout Mihir Bose
Award-winning journalist and author Mihir Bose writes and broadcasts on social and historical issues and sport for outlets including the BBC, the Guardian, Financial Times, Evening Standard and Irish Times.
He has written more than fifty books on sport, including football and cricket, and history, such as Bollywood, India and the extraordinary WW2 quintuple agent Silver. The subjects of his many biographies include Michael Grade, Moeen Ali and the Indian nationalist Subhas Bose (no relation).
Mihir was the BBC’s first sports editor and first non-white editor. He was chief sports news correspondent at the Daily Telegraph and worked for the Sunday Times for 20 years.
His honorary doctorate from Loughborough University was awarded for his outstanding contribution to journalism and the promotion of equality. Mihir is a member of the English Heritage Blue Plaques Panel and former chairman of the Reform Club. He and his wife Caroline live in London. He has a daughter, Indira.
Award-winning journalist and author Mihir Bose writes and broadcasts on social and historical issues and sport for outlets including the BBC, the Guardian, Financial Times, Evening Standard and Irish Times.
He has written more than fifty books on sport, including football and cricket, and history, such as Bollywood, India and the extraordinary WW2 quintuple agent Silver. The subjects of his many biographies include Michael Grade, Moeen Ali and the Indian nationalist Subhas Bose (no relation).
Mihir was the BBC’s first sports editor and first non-white editor. He was chief sports news correspondent at the Daily Telegraph and worked for the Sunday Times for 20 years.
His honorary doctorate from Loughborough University was awarded for his outstanding contribution to journalism and the promotion of equality. Mihir is a member of the English Heritage Blue Plaques Panel and former chairman of the Reform Club. He and his wife Caroline live in London. He has a daughter, Indira.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 2, 2024
"Manchester Disunited: And the Business of Soccer" by Mihir Bose offers a unique perspective on the intricate relationship between sports and business, particularly within the context of one of the world's most celebrated football clubs, Manchester United. Bose, known for his insightful analysis of sports economics, takes readers on a journey behind the scenes, exploring the financial dynamics that shape the soccer industry.
The strength of the book lies in its in-depth examination of Manchester United's business practices, shedding light on the club's rise to prominence and the economic challenges it has faced. Bose skillfully navigates through the club's history, corporate decisions, and the impact of globalized football markets, providing readers with valuable insights into the complexities of running a major football franchise.
However, the book might be a bit too niche for readers who are not die-hard soccer enthusiasts or those unfamiliar with the business side of the sport. The detailed financial discussions and intricate dealings may prove overwhelming for casual fans looking for a more accessible exploration of the subject.
Bose's writing style is clear and informative, making it relatively easy for readers with some background knowledge in soccer or business to follow along. The inclusion of real-world examples and case studies adds depth to the narrative, offering concrete illustrations of the broader trends discussed in the book.
One potential drawback is that the book primarily focuses on Manchester United, limiting the scope of its analysis. While the club serves as an interesting case study, a more comprehensive examination of the broader soccer landscape and its economic challenges could have added depth and context to the narrative.
In conclusion, "Manchester Disunited: And the Business of Soccer" is a worthwhile read for those deeply interested in the intersection of sports and business, especially within the context of a premier football club. While the subject matter may not resonate with a broader audience, the book offers valuable insights into the economic intricacies of one of the world's most beloved sports institutions.
The strength of the book lies in its in-depth examination of Manchester United's business practices, shedding light on the club's rise to prominence and the economic challenges it has faced. Bose skillfully navigates through the club's history, corporate decisions, and the impact of globalized football markets, providing readers with valuable insights into the complexities of running a major football franchise.
However, the book might be a bit too niche for readers who are not die-hard soccer enthusiasts or those unfamiliar with the business side of the sport. The detailed financial discussions and intricate dealings may prove overwhelming for casual fans looking for a more accessible exploration of the subject.
Bose's writing style is clear and informative, making it relatively easy for readers with some background knowledge in soccer or business to follow along. The inclusion of real-world examples and case studies adds depth to the narrative, offering concrete illustrations of the broader trends discussed in the book.
One potential drawback is that the book primarily focuses on Manchester United, limiting the scope of its analysis. While the club serves as an interesting case study, a more comprehensive examination of the broader soccer landscape and its economic challenges could have added depth and context to the narrative.
In conclusion, "Manchester Disunited: And the Business of Soccer" is a worthwhile read for those deeply interested in the intersection of sports and business, especially within the context of a premier football club. While the subject matter may not resonate with a broader audience, the book offers valuable insights into the economic intricacies of one of the world's most beloved sports institutions.
January 13, 2013
A word of caution: the first 150 pages of this book are effectively a summary of Bose's earlier book on the BSkyB bid for Man Utd. Whilst this doesn't affect the quality of the work (in fact those sections are arguably better for being shorter) it may affect your view of the value of this book if you've bought or read the earlier text.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews