In the world of oil and state money, Manchester United and Liverpool have more in common than ever – The Athletic

Twelve months ago, John W Henry’s idea of ​​football reform was hastily presented to the world. Big picture project, remember? Years in the profession, that lingered in Henry’s mind before he felt safe enough to bring in people who could help him. Joel Glazer ended up being the only billionaire interested in the game with whom he felt comfortable sharing his thoughts, and slowly, the proposals took shape.

There are different accounts of when the primary owner of Liverpool and Manchester United Communicating for the first time. Glazer has arrived Premier League in 2003 and Henry seven years later. Sources familiar with Old Trafford’s inner workings suggest the pair’s relationship dates back to before 2010 with some even claiming Glazer encouraged Henry to “get involved” at Liverpool, an organization has untapped potential and is available at a low price.

Various sources, much closer to Boston where Henry lived, refute that advice but recall him “singing praises” about Glazer quite early in his reign at Anfield, he did What he always does when starting work in an unfamiliar environment: look for someone who has been near the same place before him to try and better understand the challenge ahead.

For Henry, there will never be a bridge between Liverpool and Manchester despite the huge rivalry between the clubs. It only makes sense for him to contact Glazer, whom he would quickly recognize as a similar character to himself.