Joel Glazer writes open letter to Manchester United fans

Joel Glazer has written an open letter to the supporters of Manchester United following the collapse of the European Super League - a project which he himself was a strong part of launching.

The Super League - a gathering of 12 of the most powerful clubs in Europe attempting to break away from UEFA competition in favour of a closed doors continental league - was launched late on Sunday night, only for almost all of its clubs to pull out within 48 hours.

United executive vice chairman Ed Woodward has announced his decision to step down since the collapse, while Glazer has now issued a statement trying to get the fans onside - though it's a difficult one to manage considering the damage the Glazers have done to the club since their takeover in 2005.

It's the first time a member of the Glazer family has communicated directly with United fans.

He wrote on United's official website: "You made very clear your opposition to the European Super League, and we have listened. We got it wrong, and we want to show that we can put things right.

"Although the wounds are raw and I understand that it will take time for the scars to heal, I am personally committed to rebuilding trust with our fans and learning from the message you delivered with such conviction.

"We continue to believe that European football needs to become more sustainable throughout the pyramid for the long-term. However, we fully accept that the Super League was not the right way to go about it.

"In seeking to create a more stable foundation for the game, we failed to show enough respect for its deep-rooted traditions – promotion, relegation, the pyramid – and for that we are sorry.

"This is the world’s greatest football club and we apologise unreservedly for the unrest caused during these past few days.

"It is important for us to put that right.

"Manchester United has a rich heritage and we recognise our responsibility to live up to its great traditions and values.

"The pandemic has thrown up so many unique challenges and we are proud of the way Manchester United and its fans from Manchester and around the world have reacted to the enormous pressures during this period.

"We also realise that we need to better communicate with you, our fans, because you will always be at the heart of the club.

"In the background, you can be sure that we will be taking the necessary steps to rebuild relationships with other stakeholders across the game, with a view to working together on solutions to the long-term challenges facing the football pyramid.

"Right now, our priority is to continue to support all of our teams as they push for the strongest possible finish to the season.

"In closing, I would like to recognise that it is your support which makes this club so great, and we thank you for that.

"Over the past few days, we have all witnessed the great passion which football generates, and the deep loyalty our fans have for this great club."