I'm still in your prior state, where I don't share the anti-MUFC tendency. I tend to look at this from the club's perspective. They've built a massive empire that allows them to buy great players and promote their club internationally, which in turn increases demand and ensures that their stadium will be packed and their TV and merchandise rights will re-fill their coffers no matter how much they spend. For the rest of the league, it's a disaster. But from MUFC's perspective, it is a well-executed recipe for success. I have a hard time seeing what MUFC has done *wrong*. You might not like it (especially if you support any English club other than Arsenal or Chelsea). But how is it bad or evil?

Let me throw down some gauntlets. I invite correction with the gusto of a barrister in a hotel room with a hot dominatrix...

#1: MUFC is historically a great team. They may not have THE longest list of honors in England, but they have done well for many many years. They won the treble in my lifetime. How many other major clubs can say that, in any major league? Some, but not many.

#2: MUFC has developed much of their own talent. How many other major clubs can say that, in any major league? Some, but not many.

#3: MUFC have *earned* much of their worldwide following by putting themselves on the vanguard of *international* football marketing. If Ajax had been as aggressive about exploiting their brand worldwide, maybe they'd be 10x bigger (financially) than they are today. Ajax has done the opposite. In marketing-psychographic-speak, MUFC were the visionaries, while Ajax have (sadly) been the laggards.

If I were with you and Baggy in London, looking at all those fake-fans and vacuous "news" coverage of the club, I wouldn't be angry at MUFC. I'd be laughing at the silly consumers and in rapt admiration of the savvy business leaders at MUFC who have perpetrated this worldwide coup.

In my opinion, MUFC are called the "scum" because they are successful on every level. It's not like other clubs don't try, or at least want, to achieve the same things.