Jesus, you make it sound as if you're some little 'Mom n Pop' store fighting to stay true to your free enterprise principles in a world overrun by evil corporations. This is a 'club' that took "Football Club" off their badge not far off 2 decades ago. I don't know which is more cringe-worthy, the self pity or the self delusion!
Actually, it's precisely like that.
Why has United been able to dominate the premier league? Because we had smarter execs running the club, had a better manager and had more fans filling a bigger stadium. We invested in expanding that stadium, and even though we're sh*t at the moment we bring in twice as many home fans to a mid-week carling cup match as most teams bring on their marquee Sunday fixtures. We've produced more youth players currently playing in the prem than anyone else, we've traveled the world doing marketing tours and begging for fans. We've developed and had to sell the best player in the world.
Those are the reasons why we should be able to afford nice things. A combination of timing, luck and excellent management for 3 decades - as well as the best consistent work ethic of any club in the country. You think it's easy for one club to be in the top 3 for 25 years? Look around, no one else is doing it.
So yes, we're the mom and pop store that kicked some serious ass during the economic boom, and we should be reaping the rewards of that now.
While we watch City and Chelsea literally lose more money than we've lost in 25 years each season, and get criticized by the media for not competing with them.
As I've said before, you're either a bit of a wind-up-merchant (and that's fine, the internet is absolute full of them) or you didn't really live through City's history. Because anyone that had wouldn't react this way. Most of my friends are older City fans because of the Goat, and not a one is as pompous, pretentious and immature as you about their recent success.