Joel Glazer sends open letter to Man Utd fans after European Super League U-turn

Manchester United co-owner Joel Glazer has issued an apology for the club’s now-retracted entry into the European Super League.

United were one of six Premier League clubs to recently announce their intention to join a new European Super League. However, the new competition faced huge amounts of backlash. Hence, all six English clubs who signed up have now pulled out.

There have already been changes in the hierarchies of some of those clubs. Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward will be leaving United at the end of the year, for example.

The relationship between United fans and the Glazers has always been tense. This will have done little to heal those wounds, rather inflicting new ones.

Joel Glazer has now issued an open letter to those supporters in an attempt to make amends.

He wrote (via Man Utd’s official website): “To all Manchester United supporters,

“Over the past few days, we have all witnessed the great passion which football generates, and the deep loyalty our fans have for this great club.

“You made very clear your opposition to the European Super League, and we have listened. We got it wrong, and we want to show that we can put things right.

“Although the wounds are raw and I understand that it will take time for the scars to heal, I am personally committed to rebuilding trust with our fans and learning from the message you delivered with such conviction.

“We continue to believe that European football needs to become more sustainable throughout the pyramid for the long-term. However, we fully accept that the Super League was not the right way to go about it.

The reasons behind European Super League

The reasons behind European Super League

Why are top clubs attempting to form a breakaway European Super League? Sky Sports News reporter Kaveh Solhekol explains.

“In seeking to create a more stable foundation for the game, we failed to show enough respect for its deep-rooted traditions –promotion, relegation, the pyramid – and for that we are sorry.

“This is the world’s greatest football club and we apologise unreservedly for the unrest caused during these past few days.

“It is important for us to put that right.”


Subscribe for free to TEAMtalk’s daily newsletter…


Glazer promises better communication

“Manchester United has a rich heritage and we recognise our responsibility to live up to its great traditions and values.

“The pandemic has thrown up so many unique challenges and we are proud of the way Manchester United and its fans from Manchester and around the world have reacted to the enormous pressures during this period.

“We also realise that we need to better communicate with you, our fans, because you will always be at the heart of the club.

“In the background, you can be sure that we will be taking the necessary steps to rebuild relationships with other stakeholders across the game, with a view to working together on solutions to the long-term challenges facing the football pyramid.

“Right now, our priority is to continue to support all of our teams as they push for the strongest possible finish to the season.

“In closing, I would like to recognise that it is your support which makes this club so great, and we thank you for that.

“With best regards, Joel Glazer.”

READ MORENeville sends Glazer family venomous message over European SL farce