Bradford City Chairman Blames Manchester United For ‘Messed Up’ Finances

Who knew this Manchester United midfielder could be the cause of so much grief…

You wouldn’t have thought anyone associated with Bradford City would have anything to complain about this morning after their incredible FA Cup 4th Round fightback against Chelsea.

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But Bantams co-chairman Mark Lawn has used the opportunity to take a swipe at Manchester United and claims the Red Devils are responsible for the League One side’s ‘messed up’ financial situation.

The criticism comes after United failed to sell midfielder Tom Cleverley in the summer after it looked like he would join Aston Villa in a permanent £8 million move.

Cleverley did end up joining Villa but only on loan and will most likely leave United when his contract ends this summer, preventing the Bantams from earning a hefty sell-on fee.

Lawn added that the club is lucky to have beaten Chelsea as their progress in the FA Cup will help fill the gap in their finances created by United’s refusal to sell the England man.

Speaking to TalkSport, the co-chairman said: “We had a £1 million overspend this year and we thought we’d get that back from Tom Cleverley, because we’ve got a sell-on [clause]. Man United have messed that up a little bit because it looks as though he’s going to go on a free [transfer] now.”

And Lawn says he hopes they face Louis van Gaal’s side in the next round of the competition if United can overcome League Two Cambridge in their replay at Old Trafford. Surprisingly though, this is more for personal reasons rather than financial or vengeful.

“It’s not for the money – it’s the wife’s team. Man United away would be the ultimate dream.”