Pranav Nair
Joel Glazer pens a letter to Manchester United fans forum
According to the club’s official site, Manchester United co-owner Joel Glazer has penned a letter to fans regarding his ambition to better the relationship between the supporters and the organization.
The Manchester United Supporters Trust had presented the owners with a four-point plan and gave them until Friday to reply. It would appear that Joel Glazer has met the deadline.
He is keen to come up with an ambitious package of measures that will transform the relationship with fans and strengthen the club for the long term.
“We also recognise the importance of fan and football interests being embedded in key decision-making processes at every level of the club, and we are open to constructive discussions on how to reinforce that principle.”
Joel also went on to add that he would personally meet the Forum as soon as possible at the end of the season. He also went on to promise investment not only in the playing squad but also in the infrastructure.
“We recognise that we will need to significantly increase investment in Old Trafford and our training complex to ensure that the club’s facilities remain among the best in Europe.”
The Apology
The American has gone on to apologize for the club’s role in the European Super League. Ironically, it was something Avram Glazer did not seem capable of doing earlier in the week.
He also went on to confirm his and his family’s commitment to the club and the values and traditions it holds dear. Whether he will walk the talk remains to be seen.
“I want to reassure you that my family and I care deeply about Manchester United and feel a profound sense of responsibility to protect and enhance its strength for the long-term, while respecting its values and traditions.”
Ole the man?
Perhaps interestingly, he also went on to hint that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the man to lead United forward. The Norwegian has now taken the club to the final of the Europa League and could end the club’s four-year wait for a trophy.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect to come out is Glazer highlighting the club’s support for the principle of fans owning shares in Manchester United.
“We have previously engaged with the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust on fan share ownership and we want to continue and accelerate those discussions, together with provisions to enhance associated fan consultation.”
More Manchester United News
- Solskjaer full of praise for Edinson Cavani and David de Gea after Manchester United qualify for Europa League final
- Fans react as Manchester United qualify for the Europa League final despite loss
- Romelu Lukaku among Manchester United rejects who showcase life away from Old Trafford is greener
The American tycoon penning the latter of response is a welcome first move. However, it will matter for little unless concrete steps are taken to ensure words translate into action.
What impact this will have for fan protests in the coming weeks remains to be seen.
