Glazers briefed on fan backlash after making stance on shares clear
Manchester United owners, the Glazers, have been briefed they could face serious backlash from supporters if they do not sell the football club and their shares within it.
In November, the Glazer family confirmed they were considering 'strategic alternatives' in regard to the ownership of the club. In the months following, Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim and Mancunian Sir Jim Ratcliffe have both expressed their interest in taking over at Old Trafford.
Despite bids from both interested parties being placed, the Glazers are yet to reach an agreement - a decision that his seen pressure on the powers that be at Old Trafford once again grow, according to ESPN.
Per the report, co-chairmen Joel and Avram Glazer are said to be 'reluctant' to give up their shares in the club and as such have been told consider the level of supporter opposition they would receive should they stay at the club in any capacity. Throughout their reign in Manchester the American family have faced backlash from United fans, with a whole host of protests taking place at Old Trafford.
Most notably, a group of supporters stormed the Old Trafford pitch prior to kick-off against rivals Liverpool in 2021. The game - that was taking place behind closed doors due to Covid-19 restrictions - saw kick-off delayed, before the Premier League clash was eventually cancelled due to the protests.
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More recently another demonstration was held outside the stadium ahead of the Red Devils' opening game of the 2023/24 season against Wolves. A further protest is planned ahead of their upcoming clash with Nottingham Forest on August 26.
Manchester United fans have called on the Glazers to leave the club (Matt West/REX/Shutterstock)Amid the ongoing process surrounding a potential sale, the Manchester United Supporters Trust have called on the Glazers to offer more transparency on the club's dealings off the pitch. In a statement, they said: As time goes on this feels less like a sale process and more like the Glazer family is holding Manchester United and its fans hostage.
"The united message of fans is clear: sell the club. And if they do not intend to do so, at least have the courage to say that and explain what the charade of the last nine months has been about. On the pitch, there is clear progress at United and the whole fanbase is behind Erik ten Hag and the team.
"But off it, the discontent about the ownership and the sale process has not gone away and will only escalate now the new season has arrived."
Old Trafford bosses are also under pressure over the handling of Mason Greenwood, with the England international's future still undecided after after the Crown Prosecution Service dropped charges of attempted rape and assault against him earlier this year.
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