Manchester United supporters groups list demands of potential buyers

More than 50 Manchester United supporters groups have listed their demands of potential buyers of the club.

The demands include a commitment to not joining the European Super League and continued development of the women’s team.

The Glazer family, who bought United in 2005, revealed in November they were exploring “strategic alternatives” for the club – one of which was selling it.

The open letter, co-signed by official United supporters groups such as the Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) and the MUFC Women’s Supporters Club, as well as branches around the UK and abroad, said: “We understand very well why you wish to buy the club. We believe Manchester United is the greatest sporting institution in the world and hope we will have a new owner that will nurture, invest and, most of all, recognise that their role as the steward of Manchester United is to run the club in partnership with the supporters, in a way which recognises that a football club is far more than just a commercial asset.”

The demands of any potential bidders include:
A commitment to clearing the club’s existing debt and funding future capital expenditure through new share issues
Investment in the men’s, women’s and youth teams as well as investment into the club’s infrastructure to modernise Old Trafford and the training ground
Shared ownership with the fans as partners, plus fan representation on the main company board
The words ‘Football Club’ being restored to the club’s badge on the shirt
Continued development, support and promotion of the women’s team
Commitment to never again seeking to enter a competition like the European Super League without the definitive consent of fans
Maintaining the affordability of match tickets for fans