“This is our objective, and there will be no let up until we get there.”
Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) have released a statement acknowledging the letter sent to them last week by Joel Glazer.
MUST had written to Glazer last week, in the wake of the Old Trafford protests against the American family’s ownership of United, demanding a public response.
Glazer addressed an open letter to MUST on Friday, vowing – amongst other things – better communication with supporters and discussions over fan share ownership.
While MUST’s statement acknowledged that this could represent a step in the right direction, they stressed that they would determine their position based on action, not just words. ‘We have seen empty words too many times previously,’ it reads.
The statement reiterates that the Trust’s primary objectives remain unaltered, and that they will continue to push for “meaningful shareholding for supporters and a meaningful say in key areas”.
“The response could in theory – and we emphasise in theory only – be a change in direction and approach by the owners versus their silence and disregard for communication over the last 16 years,” the statement reads.
“We will, however, determine our position based on the resulting actions rather than these words alone. We have seen empty words too many times previously. We will seek a mandate from our members and from the wider fanbase before proceeding. We only wish to engage in this process should our supporters want us to.
“The onus remains on the club to put right the problems of the past, not just the European Super League but the overall lack of communication and consultation by the owners.
“Our primary objective remains to ensure a supporter share scheme is put in place which carries equal voting rights to the shares held by the Glazer Family. This scheme would be promoted to the global fanbase and should in turn build a notable stake in the club.
“Through all this, our goals remain the same and as set out in the Open Letter to Joel Glazer. We want a new Manchester United, with a meaningful shareholding for supporters and a meaningful say in key areas. This is our objective, and there will be no let up until we get there.”
