Title: Manchester United Fan Groups Call for Unity in Ousting Glazer Family
Introduction
Manchester United supporter groups have released a joint statement calling for unity among the fanbase in their ongoing campaign to remove the Glazer family from power at Old Trafford. The statement emphasizes the importance of working towards shared goals, setting aside differences, and respecting different strategies to achieve the ultimate objective. This article delves into the fan groups’ demands, the existing channels for dialogue, and the significance of unity in effecting meaningful change.
The Need for Unity
In a bid to amplify their collective voice, six influential fan bodies have come together to emphasize the importance of unity among Manchester United supporters. The statement acknowledges that while some fans support protest, others advocate for dialogue, and many endorse both approaches. It highlights that these differing strategies are complementary and that working together towards a common goal is crucial for the greater good of the club.
The Role of Fan Advisory Board (FAB)
Established in 2021 following the aborted Super League plan, the Fan Advisory Board (FAB) was intended to provide a platform for selected supporters to engage directly with co-chairman Joel Glazer and club executives every three months. However, since the launch of the strategic review in November 2021, Glazer has not attended any of the meetings. This absence has led The 1958, a fan group protesting Glazer ownership, to call for an end to all communication with the club, citing manipulation and deception.
Fans’ Forum and Meaningful Action
Manchester United also has a fans’ forum comprising 19 representatives from various fan backgrounds. This forum engages with the club’s hierarchy to advocate for changes primarily benefiting matchgoers. Previous discussions have covered on-pitch matters, ticket prices, stadium renovations, shareholder dividends, and police action involving players. However, The 1958 insists that meaningful action can only be achieved through a complete boycott, as demonstrated by the pitch invasion at Old Trafford that resulted in the postponement of a Premier League game against Liverpool in May 2021.
Reevaluating Dialogue with the Glazers
The 1958 fan group argues that maintaining a dialogue with the Glazers has only served to validate their actions and legitimize their ownership of the club. They believe it is time to reconsider this approach and explore alternative methods to make the Glazers’ ownership untenable. The group calls for all members of the fans’ forum to boycott their positions immediately, as a powerful message to the Glazers, the club’s sponsors, and the media.
The Call for Unity
In response to The 1958’s statement, the Fan Advisory Board (FAB), Manchester United Women Supporters Club (MUWSC), The Rainbow Devils (Manchester United LGBT+ Supporters Club), MUST — the independent Manchester United Supporters’ Trust, and Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association (MUDSA) released a joint statement welcoming and echoing the call for unity. These groups represent Manchester United fans’ views to the club and emphasize the shared belief in the need for better ownership and investment, lawful protests, and fan representation.
Impending Changes in Ownership
It is worth noting that the joint statement from the fan groups was compiled before news broke of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s potential acquisition of a 25 percent stake in Manchester United. While this development would not end the Glazers’ association with the club, Ratcliffe’s influence on sporting decisions could potentially bring about positive changes. However, Sheikh Jassim, who was also in talks for a full takeover, has since pulled out of the running after unsuccessful negotiations.
Conclusion
The call for unity among Manchester United supporter groups is crucial in their ongoing campaign to remove the Glazer family from power. By setting aside differences and working towards shared goals, fans can amplify their collective voice and increase their chances of effecting meaningful change. While dialogue and protest are seen as complementary strategies, some fan groups argue that a complete boycott is necessary to make the Glazers’ ownership untenable. As the fanbase continues to push for better ownership and representation, unity remains a powerful force in shaping the future of Manchester United.