The reason that Manchester United is the 'most hated' English team is probably because in recent years they have been the most successful. It used to be the case that you supported your own home town club, that's the team you went to see play when your Dad took you to your first game and you stayed with them through thick and thin through life in a curious love/hate relationship.

Then came TV. People started supporting just a successful team. Also Manchester United have been very successful in marketing themselves all aound the World, especially in the Far East.

I prefer cricket, me.