As Manchester United searches for new ownership, the Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) has made it clear that the new owner must continue the team’s progress on the field and respect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. The Glazer family, United’s American owners, stated in November that they were looking at options for the record 20-time English champions. The team has not won a major trophy since 2017, and under the leadership of new manager Erik ten Hag, United sits third in the Premier League table, having reached the League Cup final.
MUST published a statement on Twitter, urging potential bidders to explicitly commit to continuing the team’s progress and supporting plans to restore Manchester United to glory. The group also called on bidders to open a dialogue with fans groups to discuss their proposals. In December, MUST issued an open letter outlining 12 demands for prospective owners. They reiterated their demands on Sunday, raising concerns about the bids made by British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe’s company INEOS and Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani, son of Qatar’s former prime minister.
Concerns over sporting integrity were raised due to the close links between some bidders and owners of other European clubs, including Paris St Germain and Nice. UEFA rules forbid two clubs with the same owner both taking part in the lucrative European Champions League. The LGBTQ+ community has also expressed concerns, with Manchester United LGBTQ+ supporters group “Rainbow Devils” stating their deep concern over some of the bids being made.
Sky Sports reported that chemicals producer INEOS, which confirmed a bid for “majority ownership” on Saturday, bid for 69% ownership of United, which is what the Glazer family currently has. The Manchester United Supporters Trust maintains that any new owner must commit to continuing the team’s progress and uphold the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.