LIES OR THE TRUTH?

Last updated : 01 July 2005 By Editor
This is a snippet of the interview with Joel Glazer which will be aired on MUTV tonight. From Manchesteronline on the Glazer’s charm offensive.

Q: What about the transfer kitty?

JG: It's another thing we've read and, you know, talking about caps on transfers and different aspects of that is just not true.

We are going to provide the manager with the resources necessary to field the best team. So, again, when I read about caps and hands being tied, it's very frustrating. Absolutely not true - we are there to provide the manager with what he needs to compete at the highest and to win at the highest level.

Reports of £25m a season. Not true?

JG: Absolutely not true and in this type of game - in any sport - you can't plan to have caps. Situations arise, things change, you have to.

We would not get involved with this unless we can compete at the highest level not having our hands tied, so when you read about that you get very upset. You want to let people know that's not the case.

The way this club has been operating in the past, is going to be the way it's going to operate in the future. And, one of the great things about this club is when they've gone into the transfer market, it's been for the right reasons, not just to do it for the sake of a headline and that will continue.

The other great things about this club is the history, the academy and bringing up young players through the academy on to the pitch. There's a connection with that kind of situation that you don't get anywhere else. It's because the player grew up with the club and the connection has always been there, and that's special.

I know that is a priority of this club and that will continue.

If the manager saw a player, would we be in a position to buy him?

JG: No question. Nobody was more excited last year when the club signed Wayne Rooney than us, but if that situation arises again, this club will be in a position to go after that player bring him to Old Trafford because we know players love to play here and this club will be in a position to do that absolutely.

But it's not a bottomless pit?

JG: Well it's not a bottomless pit and this club has been prudent to do the right things and that is what has kept this club so successful over the years - not spending unwisely. In this game it doesn't matter what the situation is you can get reckless and it can get the club into trouble.

It doesn't matter what the situation so there does have to be some restraint but again if it's the right situation, if the manager feels it's the right situation you have to facilitate that.

Have you learnt your lessons from your time in Tampa?

JG: There's no question, along the way you learn your lessons. You make some mistakes, but you learn from your mistakes and I think we have learnt a great deal.

Being involved in sports, being an owner in sports, nothing can prepare you for that. But the thing I think you appreciate and you learn as you go along is how important - I know growing up how important it was to me - it is to the supporters, to the community.

This is a treasure of the community, of the country and followed throughout the football world.

So you have to take that very seriously. You have to show your commitment on the pitch. I think, the supporters appreciate that if you are doing everything you can to put a successful team on the pitch.

I think people are forgiving if they know you are doing that.