Joel Glazer has written an open letter to Manchester United’s supporters after the collapse of the European Super League – a project he himself was a strong part of starting.
The Super League – a collection of 12 of the most powerful clubs in Europe trying to break out of the UEFA competition in favor of a closed door continental – was launched late on Sunday night, only for almost all of its clubs to withdraw within 48 hours.
United vice-president Ed Woodward has announced his decision to resign since the collapse, while Glazer has now issued a statement trying to get fans in place – although difficult to deal with given the damage the Glazers have done to the club since their takeover in 2005.
This is the first time a member of the Glazer family communicates directly with United fans.
An open letter from Joel Glazer to all Manchester United fans.
– Manchester United (@ManUtd) 21 April 2021
He wrote on United’s official website: “You made your opposition to the European Super League very clear, and we have listened. We have done it wrong and we want to show that we can fix things.
“Although the wounds are raw and I understand that it will take time for the scars to heal, I am personally committed to rebuilding the trust of our fans and learning from the message you delivered with such conviction.
“We continue to believe that European football must become more sustainable throughout the pyramid in the long run. However, we fully accept that the Super League was not the right way to go about it.
“When we tried to create a more stable foundation for the game, we failed to show enough respect for its deep – rooted traditions – marketing, relegation, the pyramid – and for that we are sorry.
“This is the world’s largest football club and we apologize without reservation for the unrest that has arisen in recent days.
“It is important for us to rectify this.
We will not participate in the European Super League. # MUFC
– Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 20, 2021
“Manchester United has a rich heritage and we recognize 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 how Manchester United and its fans from Manchester and around the world have reacted to the enormous pressure during this period.
“We also realize that we need to communicate better 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 take the necessary steps to rebuild relationships with other stakeholders throughout the game, with the aim of working together to solve the long-term challenges of the football pyramid.
“Right now, our priority is to continue to support all our teams as they strive for the strongest possible end to the season.
“In conclusion, I want to acknowledge that it is your support that makes this club so good, and we thank you for that.
“In recent days, we have all witnessed the great passion that football generates and the deep loyalty our fans have to this fantastic club.”
