The truth of the matter is: a lot of what has happened to united was luck! They appointed a very good manager, at a very good time, they bacame successful when the premier league was formed, they had a ground that was easy to develop.
At the same time we had bad management, bad ownership, bad ground location (for redevelopment) I think the only reason united are as big as they are is because they became successful at the right time. I just hope to god we can catch them again and I dream of the day we overtake them in league titles again, but Im also realistic that this might never happen.