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Joel Glazer ‘apologises unreservedly’ to Manchester United fans for European Super League
Manchester United co-chairman Joel Glazer has penned an open letter to fans to “apologise unreservedly” for the club’s involvement in the European Super League, admitting: “We got it wrong”.
In a rare public communication, Glazer admitted the 12 founding members of the now-doomed project had “failed to show enough respect for [football’s] deep-rooted traditions” and said he he was “personally committed to rebuilding trust with our fans”.
United were one of the driving forces behind the planned breakaway, with Glazer named vice-chairman of the ESL, but joined the rest of the Premier League ‘Big Six’ in withdrawing last night in the face of intense criticism from across football, leaving the competition dead in the water.
Unlike some other clubs, United’s initial statement did not include any sentiment of regret or apology, but Glazer has now follow Liverpool owner John Henry in personally issuing a public apology to the club’s 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,” the letter read.
“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.”
United also announced yesterday that executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is to leave the club at the end of the year, though their statement announcing his departure made no reference to the Super League.
Read the letter in full below:
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.
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 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
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