Online Reporter
MANCHESTER UNITED fans are being urged to make their feelings clear at Sunday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal.
The green and gold protests against the Glazer takeover are long gone, with supporters now being told to wear funeral black.
But what could Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Ineos, or even the Glazers do to bring the increasingly angry fans back into the Old Trafford fold?
SunSport’s MARTIN BLACKBURN and MARTIN LIPTON look at the various moves that might be possible − and assess how realistic they are.
BUILD, BABY BUILD
Starting work on the “new Old Trafford” would be a visible and popular signal of the club’s ambition.
Confirming a new 100,000-capacity stadium, at the heart of an entertainment and regeneration complex on land adjoining the club’s home since 1910, would certainly alter the dynamics of the conversation.
The long-term benefits on income streams − likely to see an uplift to £8m in gate money every game − would be felt by the club’s power in the transfer market.
In addition, the current site would have a significant redevelopment value as well. Win-win for everybody.
IT’S GOOD TO TALK
Fans are desperate to feel wanted by the club − and better communication might have an immediate effect.
Justifying ticket-price increases, a second round of job cuts and cost-cutting by email and press release was hardly going to bring a feel-good factor.
Raising the lowest price ticket to £66, with Ratcliffe having argued they should not be cheaper than at Fulham − their FA Cup conquerors on Sunday − will raise around £2m, seen by fans as a drop in the ocean given the latest record income of £662m.
With bitter rivals Liverpool having recently announced a freeze on season-ticket prices for next term, following that lead and explaining how much they value supporters would be a welcome, if unlikely, move.
But equally important, for many fans, would be actually hearing from the men at the top.
It is felt that Ratcliffe and Ineos sporting chief Sir Dave Brailsford are reluctant to give out any information over long or even short-term plans — when supporters are crying out to see a real vision for the club.
For many, it represents no change from the remote Flordia-based ownership they became used to when the Glazers were in full control.
SHARE AND SHARE ALIKE
MUST − the Manchester United Supporters Trust − has long been urging a new share issue to allow fans to invest and take a tangible stake in the club.
United do not have a shortage of wealthy fans who might be ready to put hands in their pockets even if Ineos retained full control of the sporting side of United.
GET THE GLAZERS GONE
Probably the biggest demand of many fans — but also the least likely.
The Glazer family have used United as a lucrative cash cow, taking a staggering £1.3bn from share sales and dividend payment — while late patriarch Malcolm paid less than £800m to buy the club in 2005.
They earned £715m from selling Ratcliffe his stake 12 months ago and have continued to rake in the cash over the past year.
GET IT RIGHT ON THE PITCH
A winning side, under a manager with authority, can provide cover to let the other longer-term issues be fixed with far less scrutiny on them.
Amorim arrived with expectations that have not been met and doubts are starting to swirl around the Portuguese − Sun.
