Glazer says sorry and admits ESL was wrong
JOEL Glazer has told United fans he is determined to rebuild trust with them after the club were forced into an embarrassing climbdown over their plans to join a European Super League.
Less than 48 hours after Glazer was quoted on the official press release heralding the launch of the ESL, United confirmed they were pulling out of the league after a fierce backlash from supporters.
Glazer was one of the chief architects of the plans, but on Monday and Tuesday opposition grew from supporters, government, Uefa, the Premier League and former players, while Sir Alex Ferguson had voiced his disapproval as early as Sunday afternoon.
Now Glazer, who hasn’t attended a game at Old Trafford in more than two years, has told United fans he got it wrong in committing the club to join the ESL.
He said: “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.
“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. “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
We apologise unreservedly for the unrest caused during these past few days United co-owner Joel Glazer
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 longterm 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.”
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