Manchester United fans have finally heard from their owners, following last weekend's protests outside Old Trafford, that same the team's game with Liverpool postponed.
The European Super League debacle was the straw that broke the camel's back for United fans who have always been against the Glazers ownership of the club.
Advert
Last weekend they showed that enough was enough as thousands protested outside of the ground, ahead of their Premier League game against rivals Liverpool.
200 fans managed to get into the ground and poured onto the pitch, with the game eventually postponed until next Thursday.
The Glazers had stayed quiet about the incident, with Avram refusing to talk to a reporter the other day, and they have been relatively silent throughout their ownership.
On Friday though, Joel Glazer put out an open letter claiming they would engage in an 'era of dialogue' and would be on the next fans forum call later this month, something he hasn't done before.
Advert
"I want to salute your service to the Fans' Forum, which I know is a vital channel for consultation between the club and our fans. As I recently stated publicly, I am personally committed to ensuring that we strengthen this relationship in future," his statement opened.
"...I want to acknowledge the need for change, with deeper consultation with you as our main fan representative body across a range of important issues, including the competitions we play in. We also recognise the importance of fan and football interests being embedded in key decision-making processes at every level of the club, and we are open to constructive discussions on how to reinforce that principle.
"We remain committed to working with the wider football community to make the game stronger and more sustainable over the long-term, and we will now refocus our efforts on doing this within the existing structures of UEFA and the Premier League.
"In addition, I want to reassure you that my family and I care deeply about Manchester United and feel a profound sense of responsibility to protect and enhance its strength for the long-term, while respecting its values and traditions.
Advert
"Our top priority is, and will always be, competing for the most important trophies, playing entertaining football with a team comprised of top-quality recruits and some of the world's best homegrown talent. Under Ole, we feel we are absolutely on the right track.
"Success on the field must be underpinned by solid foundations off it. We have supported sustained investment in the team over many years, and that will continue this summer.
"We recognise that we will need to significantly increase investment in Old Trafford and our training complex to ensure that the club's facilities remain among the best in Europe. As part of this, we will consult with fans on investments related to the stadium and the matchday experience. Indeed, one of the clearest lessons of the past few weeks is the need for us to become better listeners. To this end, I can commit the club will engage across all of the issues raised in your letter.
Advert
"These commitments are a starting point for further dialogue, including all the specific points you raised, rather than final proposals. We want to work together to come up with an ambitious package of measures which will transform our relationship with fans and strengthen the club for the long-term. In this spirit, we will reach out to members of the forum to schedule a meeting in which I shall participate as soon as possible after the final game of the season.
"Thank you again for your work for the forum and your passion for the club. I look forward to meeting you and in the meantime let's look forward to a successful end to the season."
More protests were planned for the rearranged game against Jurgen Klopp's side, and it remains to be seen if this promise of change is enough to calm the fans understandable anger.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: European Super League, Football, Manchester United, Premier League
