Manchester United co-chairman Joel Glazer attended the club’s latest Fans Forum meeting on June 4, 2021. Astonishing but true – this was the first time since the family’s takeover 16 years ago that a Glazer family member managed to communicate directly with the United fans.
Manchester United Fans Forum is the club’s official fans’ representative body. It provides opportunities to discuss various concerns of match-going fans. The Fans Forum is usually comprised of 10-20 members coming from exclusive groups of fans including Manchester United supporters clubs worldwide, season ticket holders, fans aged 65 and over, fans residing in the Manchester area and so on. The forum representatives hold meetings several times each year.
Here are some of the key points discussed at the latest fans forum meeting:
Fans Advisory Board
After 16 years of silence, United co-chairman paradoxically addressed the communication gap between owners and the fans at the club. He mentioned that it was intentional to keep himself “away from the media limelight”.
Joel Glazer however admitted the fact that communication can be better. To alleviate the situation he stated his intention to form a fans advisory board. The board would consist of fans’ representatives, senior club officials and owners’ representatives. It would be mandatory for at least one Glazer family member to join each board meeting.
A much needed initiative. As for the Glazers, it’s time for action. A little too late to make themselves look better. Fact is that the Glazers did go ahead with plans to form the European Super League without any communication whatsoever with the fans. Had their plans to form Super League succeeded, these fundamental improvements such as forming a fans advisory board would not be discussed by them.
Credit goes to all United fans and to all football fans who stood together against forming the European Super League which revealed the vicious ownership model implemented at United. The aftermath – it’s forcing the Glazers to take positive initiatives now.
Fan Share Scheme
Considering the long-term future perhaps the most important topic of discussion in the latest Fans Forum meeting was possibly introducing a revolutionary fan share scheme at Manchester United. This system would grant fans access to exclusive class of shares that are currently only accessible by owners.
It was revealed that the club is in talks with Manchester United supporters Trust (MUST), the most widely recognized independent United supporter organization, about introducing the fan share scheme at Manchester United.
According to a statement made by MUST, Joel Glazer boasted that the proposed fans share scheme would be “the largest fan ownership in world sport”. However, MUST cautiousness, stating that there is a risk that the proposed scheme can potentially block the opportunity to achieve 50+1 fan ownership model – and therefore block the untimate goal of change in club ownership.
The 50+1 rule means that the fans hold majority of voting rights at a football club. For example, under German Football Association rules, football teams in Germany are disallowed to compete if private investors hold more than 49 percent stake of a football club.
MUST has urged fans to participate in the “Sign For United” campaign at www.SignForUnited.org – with the aim to work as a collective force to resist Glazer ownership of Manchester United.
Despite the huge concession on voting rights that this proposal signals as ever the devil is always in the detail.
– MUST
Debt, Stadium Facilities, Club Spending
During the Fans Forum meeting, Joel Glazer discussed important issues such as stadium facilities, match-going fans’ experience, high ticket prices and club spending.
At the beginning of the meeting fans’ representaives made a compelling speech regarding various problems. Joel Glazer is said to have genuinely moved and referred back to the contents of the speech several times during question and answer segments. He also ensured that Ole Gunnar Solskjær would be given sufficient funds to strengthen the squad in the transfer window.
Minute details of all Fans Forum meeting are published a few weeks afterwards. Access full details of all Fans Forum meetings on the official website.
What’s Next?
Joel Glazer’s appearance in the forum has received mixed reactions among fans. He is said to have shown genuine interest to improve the club. On the other hand, it doesn’t need a genius to infer that his decision to join the latest Fans Forum meeting was tactical – an attempt to subdue backlash against the Glazer family. All owners’ purpose is to protect ownership.
The Glazers Out campaign should continue in order to see the end of Glazers at Manchester United. Fundamental changes such as the formation of a fans advisory board the introduction of an appropriate fan share scheme will give fans the rights they deserve. Sir Matt Busby famously said – “Football without fans is nothing”. It’s important for fans to stay up to date with these developments to make sure the club goes in the direction they want.
With the fans united, the club will move in the right direction.
Fans are able to send their questions about important aspects of the club to a Fans Forum representative. Visit this page to access the contact details of Manchester United Fans Forum representatives.
References:
- Man Utd co-chairman makes fans forum appearance
- MUST appeals to global fanbase following amber light for fan share scheme
