An influential group of Manchester United fans have called on the club’s owners to revive plans for a fan engagement scheme, which remains on ice almost three-and-a-half years after it was initially promised.
Sky News has learned that the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) wrote to Joel Glazer, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Omar Berrada, the club’s new chief executive, in September urging them to take advantage of Old Trafford’s redevelopment plans – or a new stadium altogether. – As a catalyst for a fan ownership project.
In the letter, a copy of which was sent to Sky News, MUST referred to discussions it was holding with the crowdfunding platform that would facilitate the implementation of such a scheme “on a much larger scale than previously envisaged, accelerate its implementation, and in that To reduce the costs borne by the club.”
Mr Glazer announced a plan to create a shares scheme for United fans in the wake of the European Premier League fiasco in 2021, which sent relations between the Glazer family and many supporters to a new low.
Sir Jim Ineos Sports has since taken a 25% stake in the Red Devils, sparking hope of a new and more constructive dialogue between the two sides.
A separate fan advisory board has been established, although the club is not believed to have formally responded to MUST’s letter in September.
People close to Manchester United say the fan scheme is unlikely to go ahead while the club’s future stadium requirements – and the huge funding associated with them – remain unclear.
However, while they acknowledge that the initiative is frozen, they insist that it is not dead.
The Daily Telegraph reported this week that a decision on whether to redevelop Old Trafford or demolish it will be made next summer, with the majority of fans said to be in favor of the latter option.
In its letter two months ago, MUST said it had reached an agreement in principle with Manchester United to create an ‘F’ class of fan shares which would have ten times the same voting rights as the B shares held by the Glazers.
The money raised from the purchase of F shares “will be allocated to investment in infrastructure or fan-related initiatives, in consultation with the Fan Advisory Board,” the letter said.
“The club will offer one free share to all season ticket holders, facilities and official club members (from a certain date) to generate buy-in and momentum from this key group of supporters.”
Most added that the stadium project represents an opportunity “to generate fan interest, raise capital and give fans a real sense of ownership in the new stadium.”
“While the club evaluates its options for financing the stadium, we believe that equity – in the form of a financial services provider, and potentially a wider share offer to investors – is the best option for our football club and our fans.”
“As guardians of this great club, we hope you agree.”
News of the letter comes just days after Manchester United appointed Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim to succeed Erik Ten Hag, who was sacked last month.
After being contacted by Sky News about the leaked letter, a MUST spokesperson said: “Finding a way for fans to acquire a significant ownership stake in Manchester United over time was one of the key commitments the club made following the disgraceful plans.” To join the European Premier League.
“Indeed, Joel Glazer has committed to building the largest fan engagement scheme in global sports.”
The group added that although the sale of the club, which resulted in the Ineos deal almost a year ago, had caused a delay in the ownership plan, it was “important that the club owners clearly reaffirm their long-term commitment to this important promise after teaching English as a language.” second “.
Many United fans have distrusted the Glazer family since their £790m takeover of the club in 2005.
The family took the company public on the New York Stock Exchange in 2012, but retained control through B shares.
Sir Jim now has overall responsibility for football affairs at Old Trafford.
A Manchester United spokesman declined to comment.