Manchester United Supporters Trust have offered an update on proceedings in discussions with the club, the fan-led review, and the return of fans ahead of the new 2021/22 season.
Following the announcement of a Fans’ Advisory Board and changes to the Fans Forum, MUST have stated their delight at the initiative but insisted that it must be executed correctly
“We welcome both of these initiatives in principle, but the proof of the pudding will be in the eating,” they said.
“These bodies must have real teeth, and real influence over club policy and decision-making, in order that we avoid any more disasters like the ill-fated plan for the European Super League.
“There should also be positive opportunities too with genuine fan consultation on stadium development and other such initiatives. Applications for both of these bodies are open now. MUST will be represented, but we urge individual MUST members to apply too.
“Discussions are ongoing with the club in terms of the creation of a fan share scheme. As you will remember, Joel Glazer promised to create the “biggest supporter share scheme in world sport” so he has set expectations high and we are determined to see the club deliver on that.
“We have made clear that it is essential that any shares issued should carry the same voting rights as the Glazers own shares. The scheme needs to be scalable so that, over time, supporters can build up a meaningful level of ownership with a meaningful level of influence.”
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Furthermore, MUST have commented on the return of fans and the change in ticketing at Old Trafford, with the club opting for digital ticketing.
“As supporters finally return en masse this weekend, things won’t all be quite as they used to be,” they said.
“Digital ticketing is a huge change and we have major concerns for this first game but we’ve done our best to advise supporters how to deal with issues arising through MUST’s ISLO (Independent Supporter Liasion Officer).
“There’ll no doubt be a debrief after the Leeds game and we hope all concerns can be addressed ahead of the next home match.
“On a positive note fans will notice the new rail seat area in the North East quadrant (J Stand) which MUST has lobbied tirelessly for, over many years, both nationally (politically) and at Premier League and club level too.”
Manchester United Supporters Trust also commented on the fan-led review – you can read the full statement from them here.
