Man Utd shareholder voices concern over 'damage' caused by Glazer family
By Ross Jackson
The Glazer's ownership of Manchester United has come under further threat after the club's leading shareholder outside of the family expressed his disappointment at the 'reputational damage' caused by the decision to join the Super League.
United were one of the trailblazers in the much-maligned breakaway competition saga alongside Juventus and Real Madrid, though the proposal soon fell apart as fans and the media voiced their displeasure at the plans.
Despite the Red Devils withdrawing their commitment to the Super League, the backlash shows no signs of cooling with thousands of fans protesting over the Glazer's ownership of their club prior to United's Premier League clash with Liverpool a few weeks ago.
Similar scenes were witnessed in the rearranged game this week with further demonstrations expected to come, and it's now been revealed the Glazer family's issues aren't limited to their disgruntled fan base.
Nick Train’s Lindsell Train UK equity fund owns 7% of the Red Devils - as well as holding shares in fellow Super League club Juventus and Celtic - and he's now also voiced his concerns over the breakaway league proposal during his monthly update to investors, adding that meetings have been held to discuss the decision.
“The announcement of the breakaway European Super League in April came as a surprise to us," he said as reported by The Times.
“In response, we requested and have now had meetings with all three clubs [including Celtic, even though they were not a member of the Super League]. At these meetings we expressed our disappointment about the reputational damage Juventus and Manchester United have inflicted on themselves.
"We asked for clarity about their position regarding the Super League going forward. We urged them to return to respectful negotiations with all members of the football community to work toward mutually beneficial ends. We continue to monitor events closely as they unfold, while considering their implications for our investment case.”
Joel Glazer penned an open letter to the United fans recently in a bid to build bridges following the Super League debacle, though the communication seems to have fallen on deaf ears and the supporters now have a voice within the club.
Further demonstrations are expected before the end of the season, with United fans reported to be staging protests prior to their side's clash with Fulham as fans are welcomed back into football stadiums for their team's final home game of the campaign.