An influential Manchester United supporters’ group has demanded that the membership’s house owners revive plans for a fan share scheme, which stays on ice almost three-and-a-half years after it was initially promised.
Mr Glazer introduced the plan to create an fairness scheme for United followers within the aftermath of the European Tremendous League fiasco in 2021, which despatched relations between the Glazer household and lots of supporters to a brand new low.
Since then, Sir Jim’s Ineos Sports activities automobile has acquired a 25% stake within the membership, sparking hope of a brand new, extra constructive dialogue between the 2 sides.
A separate Followers Advisory Board has been established, though the membership just isn’t thought to have formally responded to MUST’s September letter.
Individuals near Manchester United say a supporter scheme is unlikely to proceed whereas the membership’s future stadium necessities – and the huge financing related to them – stay unclear.
Nevertheless, whereas they acknowledge that the initiative is on ice, they insist it isn’t useless.
The Each day Telegraph reported this week {that a} resolution about whether or not to redevelop or bulldoze Previous Trafford can be made subsequent summer season, with a majority of followers mentioned to be in favour of the latter possibility.
In its letter two months in the past, MUST mentioned it had reached an in-principle settlement with Manchester United to determine an ‘F class’ of fan shares which might have the identical 10-times voting rights because the B-shares held by the Glazers.
Funds raised from the acquisition of F-shares “would be ring-fenced for investment in infrastructure or fan-related initiatives, and in consultation with the Fan Advisory Board,” the letter mentioned.
“The Club would provide one free share to all Season Ticket and Facility holders and Official Club Members (as of a given date) to generate buy-in and momentum from this key group of supporters.”
MUST added that the stadium challenge offered a possibility “to ignite fan interest, raise meaningful capital, and give fans a real sense of ownership in the new stadium”.
“As the Club assesses its options to fund the stadium, we believe equity-in the form of the FSP, and potentially a wider share offer to investors-is by far the best option for our football club and supporters.
“As custodians of this nice membership, we hope you’ll agree.”
“Certainly, Joel Glazer dedicated to construct the biggest followers share scheme in world sport.”
The group added that while the process to sell the club, which resulted in the Ineos deal nearly a year ago, had caused a delay to the ownership scheme, “it will be significant that the house owners of the membership clearly restate their long-term dedication to this essential post-ESL promise”.
Many United supporters have been mistrustful of the Glazers since their £790m debt-funded takeover of the membership in 2005.
The household floated the corporate on the New York Inventory Trade in 2012, however retained management of it by means of the B-shares.
Sir Jim now has total cost of soccer issues at Previous Trafford.
A Manchester United spokesperson declined to remark.
