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Anti-Glazer protesters target Manchester United’s commercial partners

Anti-Glazer protesters.
Anti-Glazer protesters.

Anti-Glazer protesters have launched an attack on Manchester United’s commercial partners and say they are “legitimate targets” in the bid to change the ownership of the club.

United’s new shirt sponsor TeamViewer has seen their rating fall on consumer review websites on Tuesday, with all partners receiving a letter calling on them to end ties with the club while the American owners are in charge.

It is the latest protest following Sunday’s demonstration when fans broke into Old Trafford and the Premier League fixture against Liverpool was postponed.

“As commercial partners of the Glazer family you are legitimate targets of the global fanbase because the combined £279m per annum you pay will not go towards investment in the squad to compete with the best clubs that United now trail,” read the letter, under the title #NotAPennyMore.

“It will not go towards refurbishing Old Trafford or training facilities, both now so outdated that they have become a symbol for Glazer disinterest. Your sponsorship money will be used for debt servicing and dividends.

“To that end, Manchester United fans will boycott your products, seek to tarnish your brands and support your competitors until you terminate your commercial partnership with the Glazer family.”

Fans say they have been ignored in their attempts to engage with the American owners of the club, who secured the club 16 years ago through borrowing. They have been mobilised since the club attempted to join the breakaway European Super League last month and say the attempt to impact on the club’s sponsors in the only way for the Glazers to take notice.

The group of anonymous fans have vowed to boycott the products of commercial partners, “seek to tarnish your brands and support your competitors” unless ties with United are cut.

TeamView, a global technology company, signed a five-year deal worth £235 million to be United's principal shirt sponsor from next year. They saw their Trustpilot rating plummet after negative reviews.

“Until then, if you are complicit with the Glazers, you are complicit in the attack of Manchester United Football Club,” the letter added.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and a member of the first-team squad will answer questions on the fan protests on Wednesday ahead of the Europa League semi-final second leg against AS Roma. They were blocked into their team hotel by fans on Sunday and no player has voiced their view.

They were understood to be motivated by keeping the title race alive - even by a few days - ahead of the Liverpool game, with defeat handing the crown to Manchester City.

From the protests on Sunday when demonstrators faced off with police at The Lowry hotel, a man has been charged with throwing fireworks in a street, threatening behaviour and wilful obstruction of a public highway.

A GMP statement read: “He has been bailed ahead of a court appearance at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on 25 May 2021.”