Originally Posted by
roverman
It's just my opinion, but there are parallels which can be drawn between the root problems at MAN and those at MUFC. Both institutions are close to my heart, but that's not the link!
Both MAN and MUFC have enjoyed strong local support, both have had notable success in the past, but more recently seen ownership structures change and focus move gradually away from the core product and their role in the local economy, towards maximising profitability of the business. Growing 'brand', volume, and revenues through acquisitions and/or non-core business have been a key feature of this change. Both institutions appear to have lost touch with their customers and their traditional values, instead pursuing returns for investors as the top priority. All this has now come home to roost with a very marked drop off in performance and reputation which will most likely hit the bottom line before long. It looks to be a rather long way back for both.
Lets not fall into the trap of falling thinking everything was great in the olden days. When the council had the monopoly of baggage handling and stairs etc, they weren't exactly customer focused - we had loads of delays waiting for marshallers to remove air bridges, crews to load/unload bags, move stairs etc - and they were untouchable.