Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists Man Utd fans must be heard but condemns violence

Manchester United head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said that last weekend’s protests against the Glazer family went ‘too far’, but insists the club is already determined to communicate better with supporters.

The protest resulted in the postponement of their match against Liverpool after fans broke into Old Trafford and clashed with police.

The scenes were sparked by the club’s involvement in the launch of the now failed Super League. Six police officers were injured, one seriously, while video footage appeared to show police beating a fan on the ground.

Solskjaer is in a difficult position, caught between the fans, whose side he famously took against the takeover in 2005 while a United player, and his employers. He is still adamant that fans should be listened to, but has reiterated the importance of keeping it peaceful, as the majority have.

“As I said before the [Liverpool] game, we have to listen. We have to hear the fans' voice. It's everyone's right to protest. It has to be in a civilised manner though,” Solskjaer is quoted as saying by Sky Sports as United prepare to face Roma in the Europa League.

“Unfortunately, when you break in and when police officers get injured, scarred for life, that's too far. When it gets out of hand like this, it's a police matter. It's not about showing your opinions anymore,” the Norwegian added.

In the wake of the Super League scandal, which saw senior officials at top clubs across Europe band together in what can only be described as a shockingly bold money grab - cutting fans, leagues, and even players and staff out of the process - Solskjaer said it is clear that ‘frictions’ need addressing.

“Communication between other individuals, and me of course, has started already. We're discussing with the fans, which is going to be massive for us going forward,” he explained.

“It has to be a united football club. To make things grow, you need to give it some patience. I'm hopeful that in time we can unite and come together.”

Co-chairman Joel Glazer issued an apology to fans after United announced their withdrawal from the Super League, which supporters have widely refused to accept. Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward reiterated that apology when he then attended a fans’ forum, while other co-chairman Avram Glazer refused to engage at all when approached by a reporter in Florida this week.

The current protests, which are louder than those heard in 2005 or 2010, were sparked by the Super League debacle, but the issue for United fans runs far deeper and has brought back into the spotlight the nature of the Glazer ownership model and the significant financial cost to the club.

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