The World's Biggest Cash Machine cover art

The World's Biggest Cash Machine

Manchester United, the Glazers, and the Struggle for Football's Soul

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The World's Biggest Cash Machine

By: Chris Blackhurst
Narrated by: Chris Blackhurst
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About this listen

From Chris Blackhurst, the former Editor of the Independent, comes The World's Biggest Cash Machine, 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.

©2023 Chris Blackhurst (P)2023 Macmillan Publishers International Limited Business Football (Soccer) Professionals & Academics Football Thought-Provoking Inspiring

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Critic reviews

'A gripping tale, full of insight. Blackhurst is an enormously talented writer' – City A.M

'Jaw-dropping revelations . . . The incredible story of [Man United] laid bare in new book' - Daily Mail
All stars
Most relevant
The Munich Tunnel is not the players tunnel!!!
A bit more research would have been appreciated.
Love United Hate Glazer

Good but with a few errors

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A must for any football fan. Fascinating read into the purchasing of a football club.

Ability to buy something with someone else’s money.

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I didn’t know much of the background in relation to the Glazers & Ferguson’s horse interests. Found this an intriguing & gripping read. Highly recommend

Super interesting!

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A great listen... to listen to the audible book narrated by Chris himself brings it to life and creates an authenticity with some understated passion... a recommended listen!!

Detailed

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A great insight into the money going’s on at my club. This will definitely chant Glazers Out!!!

Burning money

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A remarkable financial history of football seen through the lens of one club. The success on the pitch is coupled with the advent of the Premier League, and it produces a financial bonanza. As success fades,the fans revolt but the money keeps rolling in. In the end is the club a victim of its own popularity?

A brilliant read and wonderfully read by the author.

Greenbacks and Reds

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This is an excellent account of The Glazers tenure at Manchester United, which also provides for context a history of the club. The main focus of the book is on the boardroom and it's disregard for the fans, but Ferguson loomed large in the boardroom of the club also. I'm a lifelong United fan and I learned a lot reading this.

Tremendous account

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Great insight into how the Glazers think. It does make you wonder if Manchester United will ever see the back of the Glazers, and if its a case of better the devil you know.

Great insight

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This is superb. I love football and although I’m not a Manchester United fan but this is an exceptional listen detailing how the game has gone off the rails through the eyes of one club. Well worth your time.

Absolutely outstanding

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A in-depth analysis of the Modern day demise of one of the world’s powerhouse football team. Silence is bought and secrets never stay hidden with greed coming to show everyone true loyalty.

Exceptional

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