Taking Over (part two)
The deal is coming to a close
Taking Over (part two)
For those of you who read part one that I posted on Friday, you’ll know that we are deep into the process of the sale of Manchester United in 1989.
Michael Knighton introduced himself to the supporters by coming out on the pitch juggling the ball before enjoying the adulation of the fans. Then the team took Arsenal apart and beat the reigning champions 4-1.
Everything was looking rosy.
A 1-1 midweek draw at Crystal Palace wasn’t the end of the world either. With a trip to the Baseball Ground next, the fans flocked to Derby to see the new Manchester United. However the away terrace appeared overcrowded and there were clear problems.
Seeing this, Knighton made his way to the fans to appeal for calm and to make sure that everyone was ok. This was only four months on from the Hillsborough disaster too.
The presence of Knighton didn’t work. The United fans moved forward down the terraces, wanting to get closer to their new hero. The scenes were chaotic but thankfully nobody was seriously hurt.
On the pitch, Derby County took advantage. A 2-0 home win for the Rams saw the Red Devils lose their first game of the season. Was it just a one-off?
