Joel Glazer apologises to United fans for Super League 'unrest'

Joel Glazer has apologised "unreservedly" in an open letter to all Manchester United fans for the "unrest" caused by the club's involvement in the Super League.

United are thought to have been one of the driving forces behind the competition, which collapsed on Tuesday evening after a unified outcry of disapproval from supporters, governing bodies and the government.

Ed Woodward, United's executive vice-chairman, resigned from his role on the same evening - although it has been told that it had nothing to do with the Super League. He will remain at the club until the end of 2021.

Glazer, who was unveiled as Super League vice-chairman when the bombshell announcement was made on Sunday, admits he and the rest of United's owners "got it wrong" and are now focused on making amends.

In a rare moment of communication with the supporters, Glazer wrote: "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."

"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."

"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.

"With best regards,

"Joel Glazer."