When they were formed, it looked by all accounts as if the main United would spend a number of years in the wilderness. Little did they know that Fergie would put together another European Cup winning team. When it came down to it, I think a lot of fans that were initially bought into the romance of it, ultimately realised it was all about winning and not so much about the commercial aspects, which are unavoidable in the modern game.
As soon as the TV money came calling (e.g. in the FA Cup) they gave in like everyone else - their revenue streams are also limited by denying naming / shirting rights - again a necessity of the modern game.
I much prefer what Salford have done to be honest - when FCUM formed, people were bemoaning the fact these fans hadn't gone and invested their time and resources in an existing non league club with a history, or certainly one with incredible potential at the very least like Salford.