Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Dan Marsh

Joel Glazer's promise to Man Utd fans for final transfer windows before the club is sold

Manchester United fans finally got their wish this week after it was confirmed that the Glazer family had effectively put the club on the market - but now all eyes will be on Joel Glazer to see if he will keep his word on further transfer business.

The Glazers purchased United back in May 2005 but have been the subject of multiple fan protests during their premiership. There had been speculation - after the latest round of fan protests earlier this year - that the Glazers were finally mulling over the possibility of selling the club.

It was confirmed in a statement that the Glazers had commenced "a process to explore strategic alternatives" with a view to selling the club. But while that news was welcome, it could have repercussions on Manchester United's transfer plans.

Speaking during a fans' forum which was held at Old Trafford earlier this year, Glazer touched on the significant outlay the club made over the summer. And while he insisted that the United hierarchy were "very happy" with their business, he heavily hinted that further additions would follow.

"We can always improve," he added. "There’s always more work to be done."

Although Glazer's comments made it seem as though further investment in January and beyond was likely, it remains to be seen whether or not Tuesday night's announcement will impact that.

The Manchester United Supporters' Trust reacted to the news with a statement of their own on Wednesday, which read: "The statement last night from Manchester United, that the club is up for sale, confirmed information we'd been hearing over recent days.

Join the debate! Do you think Man Utd will still spend in the January transfer window? Let us know here.

"Over the last 17 years, Manchester United fans have been dismayed with the ownership of the club. Over that period, we have witnessed a decline on the playing side and a decline in our stadium. Until recently, any proper dialogue with fan groups had also been absent.

"While supporters have long called for change, of course, this has to be the right change. At this moment in time, our club needs new investment more than ever. That requires new ownership.

"Any prospective new owner or investor has to be committed to the culture, ethos and best traditions of the club. They have to be willing to invest to restore United to former glories, and that investment must be real new money spent on the playing side and the stadium. Finally, any new ownership structure must embed supporters, including a degree of fan share ownership, in their operating model.

"Manchester United's fans are its greatest asset and hold the key to unlocking the true value of any football club. That relationship has to be one of equals - sharing in ownership and unified with the same goals."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.