Manchester United: Michael Knighton and the Football Revolution 1989-2024

In the summer of 1989, Manchester United was a club in crisis. The team had just finished 11th in the First Division, their lowest league finish in over two decades. Attendances were dwindling, and the club was facing financial ruin.

Visionary: Manchester United, Michael Knighton and the Football Revolution 1989 – 2024

by Indiana Wake

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3434 KB
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Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	320 pages
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Into this chaos stepped Michael Knighton, a self-made millionaire who had made his fortune in property development. Knighton was a lifelong United fan, and he was determined to save the club he loved.

Knighton launched a takeover bid for United, promising to invest heavily in the team and the stadium. He also promised to give fans a greater say in the running of the club.

Knighton's bid was initially met with skepticism. Many fans were wary of his lack of experience in football, and some were concerned that he was only interested in making a profit.

However, Knighton gradually won over the fans with his passion and his commitment to the club. He also made a number of shrewd signings, including Mark Hughes and Andrei Kanchelskis.

Under Knighton's ownership, United began to turn things around. The team finished second in the league in 1992, and they won the FA Cup in 1994. Knighton also oversaw the redevelopment of Old Trafford, which transformed the stadium into one of the best in the world.

However, Knighton's reign at United was not without its controversies. He was criticized for his spending, and he was often accused of interfering in team affairs.

In 1995, Knighton sold his shares in United to Rupert Murdoch's BSkyB. The club has continued to be successful under Murdoch's ownership, but many fans believe that Knighton could have taken United to even greater heights.

Michael Knighton's takeover bid of Manchester United was a watershed moment in the history of the club. It was the first time that a fan had attempted to take control of a major football club, and it paved the way for the fan ownership model that is now common in the Premier League.

Knighton's bid also had a profound impact on the game of football itself. His investment in the team and the stadium helped to create a new era of success for United, and it set a new standard for what was possible in English football.

Michael Knighton is a controversial figure, but there is no doubt that he is one of the most important figures in the history of Manchester United. His takeover bid may not have been successful, but it helped to change the course of the club's history.

Image Credits

• Getty Images
• Manchester United
• The Independent

Visionary: Manchester United, Michael Knighton and the Football Revolution 1989 – 2024

by Indiana Wake

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3434 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	320 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE