Man United Announce Fan Advisory Board And Share Scheme

Manchester United has announced a ‘new era’ of consultation with its fans, launching a new Fan Advisory Board, as well as a Fan Share Scheme.

The news comes in the wake of Executive Co-Chairman Joel Glazer’s appearance at the club’s Fans’ Forum – his first appearance at the forum in the 15 years that he and his family have owned the club.

In the wake of the creation of the European Super League, and subsequent fan protests at Old Trafford – which forced the postponement of the club’s Premier League match against Liverpool – Glazer announced the creation of a Fan Advisory Board to consult with the club’s senior leadership and owners, in addition to a ‘strengthened’ Fans’ Forum.

The Advisory Board will be made up of representatives from the Forum and ‘key fan groups’ with the aim of embedding the fans’ perspective into the club’s decision-making processes.  

The club has also opened a dialogue with the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) in a bid to create a ‘mutually beneficial’ Fan Share Scheme which will see a new class of shares issued, with each carrying the same voting rights as the shares owned by the Glazer family. 

According to the club, this would establish a foundation for supporters to build a meaningful ownership stake and create a ‘new spirit of partnership’ with the club.     

Following the meeting, Glazer said: “I was pleased to join the Fans’ Forum to listen to the views of supporters, address their questions, and share ideas on how we can improve the way we work together.   

“As owners, we want exactly the same thing as the fans – a successful team and a strong club – and we want to work in partnership to achieve those objectives.

“Fans are the lifeblood of Manchester United and I am personally committed to ensuring that they are given an enhanced voice, through the creation of a Fan Advisory Board and a Fan Share Scheme.

“The club has been in discussions with MUST regarding a fan share scheme for a number of months and has already sought external legal advice on options. Discussions will now intensify, with the aim of agreeing a plan before the start of the new season.”

Image: Shutterstock