Manchester United executive vice president Ed Woodward promised “no revival” in the European Super League while fans expressed their fury as planned during an emergency meeting on Friday. The Old Trafford giants were one of 12 clubs to announce this month that they would join the new continental competition, only for it to fall under intense pressure in 48 hours. It has been announced that Woodward will step down shortly before officially rejoining Super League, of which joint co-chairman Joel Glazer has been elected vice-president. Glazer admitted he was “wrong”, but Woodward was left to apologize for the wrong plan during his opening remarks on Friday.
He said, “You will be reading Joel’s open letter to fans apologizing for the Super League decision last week and I would like to add my personal apologies on this platform. I know that you will be angry and disappointed at the lack of consultation and how the proposal did not recognize the important principle of open competition. A proper discussion would have helped us avoid a mistake.”
“I can assure you that we have learned our lesson from the events of the past week and we are not looking for any revival of the Super League plans.”
But Woodward’s comments won’t do much to reassure angry supporters, with a letter signed by the vast majority of members of the Fan platform demanding to be read during the meeting and dismissing co-chairman Glaser’s apology.
“We are embarrassed, and upset by the owner’s actions regarding the planning, training and announcement of the European Super League. Again, this clearly demonstrates that club owners are only interested in maximizing their own profits and do not care or respect the views of Manchester United fans.”
Fans forum members said the proposal betrayed “joint history”, which was underestimated by an ugly scheme designed to make more money for “self-perceived” big clubs.
Supporters have drawn up a five-point plan, which includes a call for the club to be openly involved in the British Government-initiated football review and the appointment of independent directors to the board.
United fans protested against the Glazer family for their role in the Super League plot, breaching security at the club’s training ground last week. The club has been owned by the American family since completing the controversial acquisition in 2005.
