Rio Ferdinand has namechecked Newcastle United's ownership model in his latest discussion over fan unrest at Manchester United. The former Red Devils defender has angered the Toon Army on several occasions in recent years with his defences of unpopular former owner Mike Ashley.
The Glazers' ownership of Manchester United has again come under scrutiny after Erik ten Hag's suffered a difficult start to the season. The Red Devils have once again invested heavily in the playing squad, but spending elsewhere and the running of the club has come under heavy criticism once more from fans and pundits alike.
Thousands of supporters protested before the recent home victory over Liverpool, while former players such as Ferdinand and Gary Neville have dissected the multitude of issues behind the scenes. The topic of absentee club owners was raised during BT Sport's pre-match discussion on Thursday night as the Red Devils faced Leicester City.
READ MORE: Newcastle United transfer news LIVE: Deadline day latest as Magpies push for final deals
Ferdinand believes winning is the only way owners who keep a distance can quell any fan frustration, and raised the model currently in place on Tyneside. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) are the majority owners following the takeover last October, with part-owners Mehdrad Ghodoussi and Amanda Staveley handling the day-to-day running.
PIF chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan has been pictured in the St James' Park crowd on a handful of occasions, and the majority owners hold the final say on major club decisions. Ferdinand believes the success on the pitch under Eddie Howe so far means this distance has not been a problem for Newcastle fans, while citing their previous unrest under Ashley.
He told BT Sport: "The only way you can be a distant owner is if you're winning and successful, and that answers every question for you. Fans might not be as connected or as happy, but winning is the overriding factor.
"When you look at Manchester United, the owners are never here but Manchester City's [owners] are hardly ever here. It is a very different relationship.
"What I'm saying is in terms of the owners being here and being present, it's not all about just being present. It's got to be run a certain way as well which appeases the fans.
"Newcastle had it, are the owners of the club actually going to be there? Probably not, but it's being run in a way the local people are very happy with and they like it and are enjoying it. They didn't like the last regime, they didn't like the way it was run and they made their thoughts and their feelings very well known.
"That's what I think is great about football, the fans are entitled to give their opinions if they wanted to march or have some sort of uprising that's obviously within the right reasons. This is more than just a business, they have to respect that"
READ NEXT
Newcastle United insert important clause on Martin Dubravka deal as goalie completes Man United move
Joao Pedro truth and Newcastle's deadline day stance - Lee Ryder's transfer transcript
Newcastle United sent Youri Tielemans transfer message with Magpies linked with £25m move
Newcastle United target Joao Pedro releases Deadline Day statement over Watford future
Newcastle notes: Liverpool coach's V-sign, Isak robbed in front of Kop and Eddie Howe defends stars
