A GROUP of Manchester United fans describing themselves as “prepared to push the boundaries of the law” has published a leaked list of more than 400 companies that pay for hospitality facilities at Old Trafford and called for them not to put any more money into the club until the Glazer family have indicated they would be willing to relinquish their ownership.
United Supporters for Change (USC) say they were provided with the list with “the assistance of senior employees who oppose the Glazer family’s asset stripping of our club”. The club have not made any public comment but have launched an internal inquiry amid concerns the companies may feel intimidated because of previous cases when militant fans have targeted firms with links to the Glazers.
Although the group describe themselves as “a non-violent direct action group”, the protests against the Glazers have already led to the Manchester offices of AIG, United’s shirt sponsors, being vandalised and a number of other incidents, including protestors storming the Nike store in Manchester city centre.
Individual box-holders have been edited out of the list, published on a supporters’ website, but the companies are named “to encourage these organisations to recognise their unique position and responsibilities at this crucial point in Manchester United’s history”.
In a statement the USC urged the companies, the majority of whom are north-west based, to help drive out the Glazers by withdrawing financial support until the Americans say they are open to the idea of severing their ties with the club.
“We believe the vast majority of the individuals who purchase these facilities for their companies are supporters,” the statement said. “We are sure that they, as much as normal match-going supporters, are sickened by the asset-stripping by the Glazer family and wish to see the club return to being an efficient, commercially run sporting organisation.”
Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United may have discovered some stars of the future thanks to their title-winning reserve side. Coached by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Warren Joyce they have won the trophy for the first time in four years after Liverpool lost to Everton on Tuesday night.
United manager Ferguson is thrilled with their achievement and praised the mentality of Northern Ireland under-21 midfielders Oliver Norwood and Corry Evans. “Oliver Norwood and Corry Evans do really well and have a good attitude towards the game,” said Ferguson.
Guardian Service
