Cover

The World's Biggest Cash Machine - Manchester United, the Glazers, and the Struggle for Football's Soul

Chris Blackhurst

Unabridged
10 hours 8 minutes
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From the publisher

Written and read by Chris Blackhurst, the former Editor of the Independent, The World's Biggest Cash Machine is a gripping and tightly reported account of how the Glazers, owners of Manchester United, became the most maligned figures in the Premier League, and how they changed the beautiful game forever.

Manchester United's supporters span the globe and cross generations. But, with few exceptions, they are united in their anger with the American family who bought their club in 2005, plunging it into record levels of debt. The Glazers' reign has become synonymous with the financialization of football, and has coincided with fan protests and a decline of Manchester United's fortunes on the pitch . . . if not on the balance sheet.

But what defines this secretive family, and do these astute businessmen deserve the opprobrium they receive? In this captivating account, informed by interviews with key figures behind the scenes, journalist and commentator Chris Blackhurst charts the gripping story of the world's biggest football club - as well as exploring the wider transformation of the Premier League into a playground for billionaire owners.

'Packed with insights and details that will both amaze and appal you . . . if it doesn't make you angry, you need to check your pulse' - Oliver Bullough, author of Moneyland, on Too Big to Jail
From the publisher
Written and read by Chris Blackhurst, the former Editor of the Independent, The World's Biggest Cash Machine is a gripping and tightly reported account of how the Glazers, owners of Manchester United, became the most maligned figures in the Premier League, and how they changed the beautiful game forever.

Manchester United's supporters span the globe and cross generations. But, with few exceptions, they are united in their anger with the American family who bought their club in 2005, plunging it into record levels of debt. The Glazers' reign has become synonymous with the financialization of football, and has coincided with fan protests and a decline of Manchester United's fortunes on the pitch . . . if not on the balance sheet.

But what defines this secretive family, and do these astute businessmen deserve the opprobrium they receive? In this captivating account, informed by interviews with key figures behind the scenes, journalist and commentator Chris Blackhurst charts the gripping story of the world's biggest football club - as well as exploring the wider transformation of the Premier League into a playground for billionaire owners.

'Packed with insights and details that will both amaze and appal you . . . if it doesn't make you angry, you need to check your pulse' - Oliver Bullough, author of Moneyland, on Too Big to Jail
Imprint
Release date
10/26/2023

Macmillan