Manchester United Sets out Vision for New Era of Dialogue and Consultation With Fans

Rhea-AI Summary

Manchester United has announced plans for a new era of fan engagement, including the establishment of a Fan Advisory Board and a Fan Share Scheme. Executive Co-Chairman Joel Glazer highlighted intentions to invest significantly in Old Trafford and the team’s infrastructure, with over £100 million spent in the last decade. The club aims to enhance its global scouting network and support the women’s team. Additionally, the club has maintained affordable ticket prices for over ten years, with a focus on sustainable investment for long-term success.

Positive

• Creation of a Fan Advisory Board to enhance fan representation.
• Initiation of a Fan Share Scheme to give fans a stake in the club.
• Commitment to invest significantly in Old Trafford and training facilities.
• Maintained affordable ticket prices for over ten years.

Negative

• None.

Manchester United has set out its vision for a new era of dialogue and consultation with fans, including the creation of a Fan Advisory Board and a Fan Share Scheme.

Joel Glazer, Executive Co-Chairman, met with the club’s Fans’ Forum on Friday to begin discussions.

In the meeting, Joel discussed his vision for the club in opening remarks to fan representatives, along with his intentions for investment in Old Trafford and the training ground.

He said: “Our goal is to win every competition we compete in, and we will continue to invest in our Academy and in the transfer market to support the manager in an effort to meet the club’s goals.

“As a club we have devoted a lot of time and resources over the last several years updating and further developing our vast global scouting network to adapt to the modern football environment. This is a project that should provide a foundation for long-term success in the years to come.

“In addition, as you all know, we have also been focused on growing and developing our women’s team in line with the traditions and values of the club, and we are committed to continuing that process.

“Old Trafford is at the heart of Manchester United and while we have spent over £100m over the last 10 years on infrastructure projects, we will now accelerate the process of planning much more significant investment and upgrades to the stadium…rest assured, we will consult with supporters throughout the process to end up with a result we can all be proud of.

“The same goes for our training ground. Preliminary planning work is already under way and there will be significant funding available to further enhance our facilities and ensure they remain world class.”

Proposals to strengthen fan representation and the role of fans at the heart of the club were outlined, with a view to further refinement with MUST and the Fans’ Forum. These include:

• Creation of a Fan Advisory Board to consult with the club’s senior leadership and owners, in addition to a strengthened Fans’ Forum.

• The Board will be made up of representatives from the Forum and key fan groups to ensure the fans’ perspective is embedded within the club’s decision-making processes.

• The club has initiated a direct dialogue with MUST with the aim of identifying a mutually beneficial Fan Share Scheme involving a new class of shares which will each carry the same voting rights as the shares owned by the Glazer family. This would establish a foundation for supporters to build a meaningful ownership stake and create a new spirit of partnership with the club.

Joel also addressed the topic of the club’s self-sustaining model:

“We want this club to always be successful and win trophies. To compete for trophies requires significant investment. The commercial growth at the club has helped deliver the revenue which ultimately underpins that investment in a sustainable manner. That approach has allowed us to have among the highest net transfer spend in world football over the last 5 years and have one of the highest wage bills. Also, as a direct result of our commercial business, we have kept ticket prices affordable for all fans and not raised season ticket prices in over 10 years. This is an area that we as a club are very proud of.”

Following the meeting, Joel said:

“I was pleased to join the Fans’ Forum to listen to the views of supporters, address their questions, and share ideas on how we can improve the way we work together.

“As owners, we want exactly the same thing as the fans – a successful team and a strong club – and we want to work in partnership to achieve those objectives.

“Fans are the lifeblood of Manchester United and I am personally committed to ensuring that they are given an enhanced voice, through the creation of a Fan Advisory Board and a Fan Share Scheme.

“The club has been in discussions with MUST regarding a fan share scheme for a number of months and has already sought external legal advice on options. Discussions will now intensify, with the aim of agreeing a plan before the start of the new season.”

ENDS

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210604005441/en/

FAQ

What is Manchester United's Fan Advisory Board?

The Fan Advisory Board is a new initiative aimed at enhancing fan representation and involvement in the club's decision-making processes.

What does the Fan Share Scheme involve for Manchester United fans?

The Fan Share Scheme will allow fans to acquire shares with voting rights equivalent to those held by the Glazer family, fostering a partnership between fans and the club.

How much has Manchester United invested in Old Trafford over the past decade?

Manchester United has invested over £100 million in infrastructure projects at Old Trafford in the last ten years.

How has Manchester United addressed ticket pricing for fans?

Manchester United has not raised season ticket prices in over ten years, ensuring they remain affordable.

What is the vision for the future of Manchester United's women’s team?

The club is committed to growing and developing its women’s team in line with its traditions and values.