Ullens School IBDP
Extended Essay Scheme of Work
Name: Abhirath Upadhyaya
Subject: Business Management
EE supervisor: Kumuda Lamichhane
Topic: " to what extent has the Glazer family's ownership of Manchester United
affected the club's financial health and long-term strategic direction between
2005 and 2024?
In a couple of sentences, explain what got you interested in this topic and why?
The global popularity of Manchester United and the heated controversy surrounding the Glazers'
2005 forced takeover, which changed the club's financial structure, drew my interest in this
subject. While long-term strategic decisions frequently prioritized commercial growth over
sporting success, resulting in underinvestment in infrastructure and squad competitiveness
compared to rivals, their ownership has had a significant impact on United's financial health,
putting the team with massive debt (over £500 million by 2024) and diverting hundreds of
millions in interest payments.
ACADEMIC CONTEXT:
Where does this topic fit within the subject area? What makes it worthy of investigation?
This topic helps us understand how debt- financed takeovers can harm a business and also In IB
Business Management Unit 3: Finance and Accounts, the Glazers' ownership of Manchester
United provides an useful case study as it shows how financial strategies (3.7) and debt financing
(3.3) affect business performance. Planning (3.4) became as a result of their forced acquisition in
2005, which was mostly financed by loans secured against the club's assets. This resulted in
heavy interest payments that reduced cash flow and restricted investments. Since the club's
operating profits were used to pay off debt rather than strengthen the team or improve facilities,
this is consistent with the profitability and liquidity (3.6). In addition, the Glazers' reliance on
commercial income development (such as sponsorships and merchandise) to help with their
financial difficulties shows how sources of income (3.2) can be given priority over long-term
competitiveness in order to satisfy immediate responsibilities. Since financial choices ultimately
hurt the team's on-field performance despite significant commercial earnings, the instance
highlights the dangers of overtrading (3.8) and bad investment appraisal (3.7).
For your Scheme of Work (SOW) you should be able to:
State your research question (it may change slightly in draft
stage):
- To what extent has the down fall of Yes Bank affected the overall
performance of the bank
Roughly write your thesis statement/argument (it may change
slightly)
Yes Bank's collapse was not merely a result of macroeconomic
pressures but a consequence of reckless leadership in the company
METHOD OF INVESTIGATION: What information will you need to answer your
question?
1. Articles from google scholar
2. Manchester United’s , official website
How will you compile the data/ material necessary? Paint
Primary
Secondary Manchester united website , google scowler, articles
Other
PRELIMINARY BIBLIOGRAPHY
List 3 resources you have consulted.
https://ir.manutd.com/financial-information/annual-reports/2024.aspx
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cd9lwdegxvxo#:~:text=On%2028%20June
%202005%2C%20the,and%20fees%20to%20the%20family.
https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/man-utd-reaches-agreement-for-sir-jim-ratcliffe-to-
acquire-25-per-cent-shareholding
For your SOW you should be able to:
o Distinguish the order in which you will make your argument:
Part 1: Overview of the Glazers’ Takeover (2005)
Part 2: Manchester United’s Financial & Sporting Performance Pre-Glazers
Part 3: Financial Health Under Glazers (2005–2024)
Part 4: Long-Term Strategic Direction
Part 5: Fan and Stakeholder Response
Part 6: Alternatives & Conclusion
● For your SOW, you should be able to state:
o Key arguments or information that contributes to your research question
o Demonstrate how it all ties together to prove your thesis. In other words:
What is the point of your essay?
The main point of my essay is to see to what extent has the down fall of Yes Bank
affected the overall performance of the bank
What key research do you have to support this?
-The annual yearly report of Manchester united
What can you deduce as a result of writing this paper?
What kinds of new questions may arise from your work/research?
1. How did the Glazers' takeover affect Manchester United's money and success?
2. Is having lots of debt bad for a football club's performance?
3. Do fan protests really change how clubs are run?
4. Could better financial rules stop risky club takeovers?
