03 May 2021 23:11:14
I am confused about exactly what the protestors want.
1) Is it the Glazers to sell their current shareholding. If so who to and when? Not a lot of investors about during C.V. times.
2) Is it all the trappings of a major club - Inflated ticket prices and merchandising? Something has to pay for inflated player wages and corporate costs and debt.
3) Is it the ESL and the potential break up of the Premier League? A lot of people complain abou the so-called top 6 and the lack of competitiveness in the existing league. C.V. has ensured almost equal coverage of all teams' games which has both been democratic and refreshing.

The way I see it United fans are feeling robbed of some kind of allegiance to past glories and history which is just used to drive future ticket sales and income. That is called exploitation.

Sad we can't be as moved to protest about things that really matter like C.V., racism and inequalities in our divided society. I think its a sad reflection of the poor reality that we live in where many people are starved of any real hope or meaning in their lives.
That is what I think the protest was really about and not the other things which in the final analysis are not important.


1.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 04:08:38
MUST has sent "demands" listing what they want.

Much of it centers around open communication between the owners and the supporters group. Apparently they have not had one conversation with the group -very reasonable request

Also appointment of non exec directors to the board, who have the best interests of the club at heart. -not sure how you choose such people, but again, seems very reasonable. Many large corporations that lose the trust of key stakeholders are encouraged to appoint NEDs for a more balanced corporate approach.

There was also something about making shares available to fans with equal voting rights as the glazers, even reducing their rights to that of a minority. -that is far more challenging to see why they would do that.


2.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 07:21:24
MUST wanted changes that suits the best interest of the club.
They want Glazers to sell 51 % or the whole club and appoint board members who are not part of Glazer family.
Another point they want is to have proper communication with the fans.


3.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 08:46:29
MOTZ,

The protests against the Glazers have been going on for a lot longer than when we were chasing ‘past glories’ as you so nicely put it. Don’t listen to Souness who totally missed the point with his ignorant comments and failed to see the bigger picture.

The finances of the club and what the Glazers have done to our club are there for all to see with a quick google, as are what the fans are hoping to achieve with the protests.

One journalist yesterday said that the Glazers have put loads of money into united and it isn’t their fault that it has been spent badly. The 2nd half of that is partly true, the money has been spent badly in the main, the first part is entirely false and scary that some parts of the media are spreading that narrative, the Glazers have put exactly £0 into Manchester United and that is where the problem lies with the fans.

A quick look at the finances sees that despite buying players and having a large net spend on transfers over the last 15 years the club have spent £1bn financing the purchase of the club in interest and loan repayments. Think about how much this is, 1000 million, or 10 top level world class players, or a stadium the fans can be proud of that’s not falling apart.


4.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 12:23:33
Spot on GDS2.


5.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 12:32:23
The irony of season ticket holders paying big money into the clubs coffers shouting glazers out is not lost on many.
In not sure how many but let's say 50,000 aeason ticket holders paying the owners 50m to shout obscenities at them while they make off with the supporters 50m with big ear muffs on and a smile on their face all the way back to tampa.


6.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 13:02:14
You’re missing the point again there though Ken, whether deliberately to have a go at season ticket holders on here or otherwise I’m not sure.

I love going watching the club, it’s my biggest hobby, it means a lot to me and if I were to relinquish my season ticket I would lose the seat I have sat in for years that brings me great joy every week win or lose, I’m not willing to do that but I can still be unhappy with how the club is run and want changes to how the money is spent.

Why does it have to be one or the other? The whole point is that we want the club back that we as season ticket holders go and watch every week, to take that away from ourselves would be cutting off our nose to spite our face. I’m sure some are willing to do that but it’s unrealistic to ask people to give up something they love knowing that it won’t make any different as someone else would just be sat in their seat while they sit at home miserable.


7.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 13:26:56
Finally I agree with gds2. 2 good posts there.


8.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 13:45:24
Gds2 if your not prepared to make that small sacrafice why do you expect the glazers to walk away from tens of millions of pounds.
You keep paying they will keep taking.
Its not your club its theirs whether you like it or not. As long as people keep the stus quo and keep the cash rolling so will they imo.
So you want them to make all the sacrifices? What's in it for them to make these sacrifices?

Who should make sacrifices gds2 if you other supporters aren't why should the glazers?
They are happy to be hated in Manchester but rich in florida.
If every Supporter looks at it as selfishly as you and are afraid to give up their hobby for a short time and have the courage of their convictions then I don't see why the glzers should sacrifice anything.
No point making lots of noise like the proverbial empty vessel have the courage of your convictions and make a stand.


9.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 13:47:14
glazers love money gds2 is is realistic to ask them to give it up if you don't find it realistic to give up the seat you love to take a stand?


10.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 14:20:43
If you and the likes of you are happy to keep paying your money into the glazers retirement fund they have not pushed you all far enough. They're is still more for them to squeeze from the cash cow because people are still paying into it.
But if the cash dried up then they may be encores to sell. I see that as a lot more likely than people shouting 'you dirty rotters ' Stafford in green and gold from their very handsomely paid for seats.


11.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 14:27:11
I think I explained exactly why I am not going to give up my seat, to me that would not be a small gesture and it would not benefit me or the club in any way, you've again chosen to not understand which is fine, I am just explaining mine and other people's views.

If me giving up my seat meant the Glazers left and everything is hunky dory I would give it up tomorrow, but it wouldn't and it would just make me miserable. I think I can go to the matches and support the club I love without leeches trying to ruin our club and football as a whole.

Leahy,

Things must be bad mate haha.


12.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 14:36:32
I understand perfectly gds2. To me its akin to complete hypocrisy but that's not surprising as you say you are not alone in your stance of doing nothing but wanting a lot in return for your zero effort to the cause.


13.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 16:27:49
Wow, just wow.

So I am only allowed to want better if i am willing to sacrifice something I love? That is such a strange way of looking at it.

Just to be clear as well, I wasn't at the protest, I have made that clear, I said that I agree with what the fans stand for and explained why the fans want that. If I thought not going to the games would help in any way then I would do it, as I explained, but it is not going to happen and it wouldn't help. I wonder if your opinion would be the same if my post wasn't from me because I am pretty sure you agree with everything I've said like the majority of fans do.


14.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 17:23:12
It's nothing to do with you personally gds2 so need for the usual woe is me.
As I said above you are not alone. But as the OP says there is confusion.
What is it you want?
You want to go and pay your money but complain about the people you're paying. You are funding their ownership. You have a choice and your choosing to continue supporting their business because it brings you pleasure.
So you think the Glazers should just sell up and give up hundreds of millions simply because you don't agree with their ethos but your not prepared to take a stand against it as it discamodes you.
I agree I would like a different structure but I won't be attending games or subscribing to mutv or buying corporate trips to OT or buying any merchandise that's my personal choice. Very few will be paying cash so borrowings against the club will increase in all likelyhood for most new owners. The expectation of a return on a 3 billion investment will be in excess of the order of what the glazers take out.
Every penny this club earns is their money. So if they don't spend all that money servicing loans they will take it out anyway. They are in it for the money as will most new owners unless we are owned by the other owners with even more questionable history. But sure you can find an excuse to turn a blind eye to any negative if you try hard enough or you can have the courage of your convictions and say enough is enough.
Its not a criticism of any individual every fan can make their own choice but if you don't support them don't support them. Some folk just want their cake and eat it.
The owners have been incredibly smart financially and I'm not sure they are the type to walk away from fortunes when they have enough people supporting their business. You can support the team just as well without paying the people you despise a penny but you choose to keep the glazers in the style to which they have become accustomed. You are not alone.
If you think a small things can't make a difference try sleeping with a mosquito for the night.


15.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 18:01:18
Ken - I must say that is a collection of some of the most disappointing posts I’ve ever read from you!


16.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 18:05:56
Gds2 your comment of do you have to sacrifice something you love to have something better. The answer is yes a lot of the time you do.
I don't know how old you are but your not a kid and if you have got this far in life without making sacrifices for improvement ill be shocked.
When studying for your accountancy exams and going through college did you not have to make a sacrifice or 2? Its not a strange way of looking at it at all. Its just life. I think it would be very strange if you never sarificed something you love for betterment.
You just want want want and you don't want to put up with the rain in order to see the rainbow but you want others to get all the rain so you can see the rainbow.
You are not alone of course but there will be lots of people like you happy to moan but not happy to do anything about it.


17.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 18:17:48
I actually gave up my season tickets before the C.V., I couldn't justify the time away from my family and my son has no interest in football or going to matches. With The money I saved I have bought a hot tub, a cabin for it and a projector to watch games. I'm sure I will miss match days but I'm happy knowing the glaziers will be not getting any more of my money.


18.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 18:24:09
why dlib? Have you the courage of your convictions or are you going to stand in a greenhouse throwing stones being disappointed?


19.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 18:43:45
This is why we’ll never get rid of the Glazers! A divided fan base that prefer to aim their vitriol towards the manager and some players rather than those in control and making the decisions.

For those that still lack the comprehension to understand why the Glazers are not just bad for Manchester United but the whole of football I implore you to do your research, get the facts and try to post something with a modicum of intelligence rather than calling all season ticket holder’s hypocrites.

The parasite’s make money by trading off peoples loyalty built up over nearly 100 years of history and tradition. To suggest season ticket holders should simply stop doing something they love and have been probably been doing for generations demonstrates a complete lack of knowledge and understanding.

Maybe a coordinated and organised campaign led by MUST whereby fans are encouraged not to renew their season ticket or buy merchandise may help to hit the Glazers where it hurt’s most but to get thousands of people to give up on their passion in enough numbers to make a difference would be extremely difficult and there are always others ready to take their place. Have you conveniently forgotten about FC United with your ridiculous mosquito analogy. A few individuals giving up on their passion will make no difference.

Football is about supporting your Club through think and thin, good owners and bad. The players still deserve the fans support despite the owners but to suggest you can’t protest or voice your discontent is one of the most juvenile arguments I’ve ever heard.

The ESL would eventually see Utd playing games all over the globe in a uncompetitive league designed for the sole reason of making a few billionaires even richer.

The Glazers do not own Man Utd they are simply greedy custodians that will unfortunately form part of our illustrious history. Football Clubs hold significant cultural and historic importance and I’m sure government legislation will be drafted to safeguard our national game. Football is nothing without the fans and these rich owners forget this at their peril.


20.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 18:47:01
Fair play Simon. Everybody had a choice. You can support the glazer empire or choose not to.
My own view is either put up or shut up. Don't moan if you continue to give them your money. You have a choice.
But lots of folk want the best of both worlds. You have to break a few eggs to make an omelette sure its not an essay decision and if you choose to continue to support their business financially then don't expect them to sell it. Their only interest is maximising profit for their family. They have proven they would rob the crown jewels yet people keep paying them.


21.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 19:00:31
Ken, are you naive enough to think that if GDS gave up his seat that it wouldn't be immediately snapped up by someone else regardless? You may not agree with GDS on all his points but I think it's pretty clear he's United through and through. That season ticket could easily be handed to someone who isn't so well versed in the clubs traditions, who won't be that fussed on going to every game and who won't be as vocal against the ownership and stand up for the club's history. If all the anti-Glazer season ticket holders gave up their tickets in protest, all that would be left would be a hollow shell of a club without atmosphere or tradition or values. It would be an excursion not a passion. I know I'd rather have the lads in there, who go every week of every year, who've grown up loving our club, who will make a stand and sing and shout and say what needs to be said.

If GDS and other season ticket holder gave up their tickets, it would barely register on the Glazer's radar - the balance sheets would read thr same, and that's all that matters to them. However, the club as we know it would be lost, the passion ripped out of the stadium. Being a United season ticket holder is a way of life for the fans that have them, to ask them to give up so much is disproportionate for the effect it will have. I can't believe you're so blind to that and can call them hypocrites.


22.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 19:06:20
Dlib I don't want the glazers in charge at all i'm not supporting them.
Who suggested you can't voice your discontent? I'm saying there are better ways and to pay them the money and then shout at them to get out i don't comprehend.
I'm afraid your wrong dlib the glazers do own Manchester United and all its intellectual properties logos and copyrights. They do own them to suggest they don't is sticking your head in the sand and more juvenile then any analogy I came up with but I do admire the attempt at a personal dig. 👍
What do you want the glazers to do dlib?
Considering their only goal is financial then whatever your idea is has to appeal to them financially.
So what's your idea dlib?


23.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 19:14:51
Dlib this is not the reason why we won't get rid of the glazers at all. Stupid comment imo. The reason why we won't get rid of them is that nobody can offer them enough money. Its all about the money with these lads.
They won't be hurting in tampa because you sleep in green and gold pj's or cry boo on a Saturday afternoon or while fans trespass on their own club and fight with the police outside. It was a pathetic protest maybe for all the right reasons but will have little or no impact as its not coordinated strategic or Financially damning to Joel and Co. Put them under pressure by all means but unless the cash stops flowing they ain't going anywhere and from there point of view there is no reason why they should. We need to give them a reason to leave and the only one they understand is the dollar.


24.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 19:31:20
Ken - I’ve been a season ticket holder at Old Trafford for nearly 30 consecutive seasons. I’ve been going to the games with a group of the same friends for nearly 3 decades and we religiously go out for a few beers at Christmas and the end of every season. As we’ve got older, grown up, had children and pursued different careers going to the matches has kept us all connected in our passion and love for the Club. Going to the games together has become more than a hobby but a lifestyle.

To suggest that we are hypocrites for going to the games but still wanting the Glazers out of the Club is both insulting and wrong. In fact you went one step further and even implied that it was season ticket holders fault for keeping the Glazers in power for not making the necessary sacrifice.

That’s what makes me a Utd fan! I support my Club. Before me my dad went to the games and hopefully I’ll take my own children one day.

I’m sure GDS2 and thousands of other season ticket holders have similar stories. The Glazers know this and trade on our devotion, our loyalty, on our way of life!

The truth is the Glazers should never have been allowed to buy the Club in the first place. They are not fit for purpose and never have been and if you want to be a Glazer apologist then that’s your prerogative but please understand what your talking about first.

I believe the only way to hit the Glazers is either financially or to lobby the Government to make legislative changes to how Clubs are managed. Both will be very difficult.

Perhaps on the back of C.V. it might be time to ask fans to make the ultimate sacrifice and not renew their season tickets but this must be organised and unfortunately others would just take our place. Me and my friends taking our own personal stand will make absolutely no difference.

I don’t profess to have all the answers but we’ll never get anywhere as a divided fan base and I thought your post demonstrated a real lack of empathy and understanding.


25.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 20:09:55
Dlib i'm Not a glazer apologist or supporter. In fact the opposite but i'm also a realist.
I have the same understanding as you dlib if you care to read the posts properly instead of firing insults and getting your knickers in a twist. I've said the only way to hit them is financial.
The glazers trade on your loyalty and devotion because you let them simple as that. You choose to pay into their business. It is a 100% voluntary choice nobody forces you. You do it because you enjoy it. I've not criticised any supporter for that again if you care to read the posts. But I do criticise people for moaning and yet still choosing to support their business financially that is the essence of hypocricy imo just the same way as you claim the glazers don't own the club when they obviously do.
We are on the same page dlib with regards to the owners. You say its a divided fan base i'm not surprised its divided when people are afraid to make a stand because it changes the habits of a lifetime.
You have even come to the same conclusion yourself yet still jump on me for it.
What sponsors want to pay to an empty stadium?
What owners can survive without fans
I think you were one of the ones that said football is nothing without fans I tend to agree.
So stop going, change your habits of a lifetime for the longterm benefit of your club. They won't half fill the place without the regulars. Day trippers will join the stance you just watch.
Don't give me 100 reasons not to do something when there is 1 good reason to do it.
Lead the boycott be a hero and a leader. Do it for your club and if required go and support salford for a season with your pals.
Without people taking the 1st steps buying happens
The bottom line is some fans want nothing to change yet want everything to change as long as it doesn't discamode them personally.
Again tell me a compelling financial reason for the glazers to sell. Your around long enough and are articulate enough to understand that any potential deal has to appeal to them first and foremost because despite your denial they own the club. No amount of stamping your feet will change that unless there is a compelling financial reason that appeals to them.
Would you support them selling to the Saudis? Would you give up your season ticket then or turn a blind eye to their human rights record while you sit in a shiney new seat in a shiny new stand. Each individual has to stand up for what they believe in.


26.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 20:39:39
Dilb is your argument that people should still go and pay into their coffers and people should still go to the megastore and buy merchandise and people should still support the club financially and all the fans should be united in that?
I only go over 4 or 5 times a season usually in corporate entertaining trips so its not a huge sacrifice for me but I'll do it because after the esl debacle I don't want to support the owners in any financial way. My customers will have to do with Wimbledon or Silverstone or a different day out because I would not be happy giving united a penny. So I won't be back at OT anytime soon. To be honest I've not enjoyed most visits there for the last 10 years despite being there over 50 times in that time. One of the dullest atmospheres in the epl most of the time due to totally uninspiring football and painfully quiet fans. Being in the away end at an away league or particularly a European match is 10 times more enjoyable for me and much better craic.


27.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 21:19:06
The seats I get don't help that BTW before I. Jumped on😊 the Stretford end is usually right at it. But not much to cheer over last 8 years at OT.


28.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 21:22:03
DLIB,

Said everything I needed to say just better mate.


29.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 21:43:42
so gds2 would you support a Saudi takeover or would that be a step too far?


30.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 21:45:18
dlib / gds2 would you have renewed your season ticket if the esl had gone ahead?


31.) 04 May 2021
04 May 2021 22:14:54
Not sure, I think I probably wouldn’t have done as I would have had very little interest in it and I think most fans would have done the same meaning it would have actually meant something to not renew.

If there was no domestic football I would have been done.


32.) 05 May 2021
04 May 2021 22:24:43
Somerset i think it's completely hypocritical.
Of course gds2 is united mad but that imo us even more reason to take a stand.
Jaysus there are not enough bravehearts or Nelson mandalas around.
If all season tucket holders refuse to renew they won't sell them as other won't take them up. The waiting lists fir season tickets now is very much subsided.
Tell me the reasons that will appeal to the glazers that they should change the structure?
I want i want I want us all very well and good but what's in it for them? They are not going to turn their backs on hundreds of millions.