Manchester United are bracing for another fan uprising if the Glazers DO NOT sell the club… with Qatari bidder Sheikh Jassim and rival Sir Jim Ratcliffe still in the dark despite bids in excess of £5BILLION
- Nine months ago, The Glazers first announced that they would sell Man United
- Despite two bids in excess of £5 billion, no decision to sell has yet been made
- WATCH: ‘It All Begins’ – Episode 1 – The brand new football show from Mail Sport
Manchester United fear a new reaction from fans over the Glazer family’s refusal to sell the club to Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani or Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
United are already facing a storm over plans to end Mason Greenwood’s 18-month suspension, although the club insists no final decision has been made.
Supporters protested Greenwood’s return outside Old Trafford for Monday’s opening game against Wolves, with many more organizing a separate anti-Glazer demonstration.
It followed a warning from the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust that protests against the US owners will escalate if they fail to sell after raising fans’ hopes by launching a strategic review nine months ago.
United fear a repeat of the angry scenes that led to the postponement of their game against Liverpool in May 2021, when protesters broke into Old Trafford following the collapse of the European Super League.
Manchester United supporters have regularly protested the ownership of the Glazer family
The Glazers have had two offers to sell the club but have made a decision so far
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Fans also tried to sabotage the team bus when the game was replayed, and increased security was one of the reasons United built a new players’ lounge at Old Trafford to allow the side to be at the stadium earlier on match days.
Manager Erik ten Hag urged Tottenham ahead of Saturday night’s game that the side will not be distracted by the controversy surrounding Greenwood’s protracted takeover or future.
“No, we focus on the way of playing,” said the United manager. We focus on team performance. It’s about the players that are available, so we’re focusing on Tottenham.’
Meanwhile, a leading sports lawyer has claimed that United have reasons to sack Greenwood.
The club issued a statement earlier this week saying the matter remains the subject of “intense internal discussions”. However, it is clear that United do not believe they have grounds to terminate the remaining two years of Greenwood’s contract as he has not been found guilty of any crime.
United said they feel a responsibility “to Mason as an employee, as a youngster who has been with the club since he was seven, and as a new dad with a partner.” Sources also point out that evidence that is not currently in the public domain means it is far from a clear decision to make.
However, Joseph Lappin, partner and head of employment at Stewarts law firm, believes the photos and recordings that emerged on social media in January last year and led to Greenwood’s suspension are enough to get him fired.
British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe (left) and Qatari Sheikh Jassim (right) are the two frontrunners in the race and have submitted bids of more than £5bn – but no decision yet
A leading sports lawyer has claimed that United have reasons to sack Mason Greenwood
“I believe United can lawfully fire Greenwood,” Lappin said. “The board will have seen the photos and heard the audio recordings released on social media.
“Based on the information in the public domain, it seems to me that the club has formed a reasonable suspicion that Greenwood has committed a serious criminal offence, even though he has not been convicted. The club has a duty to protect the health and safety of its staff, including anyone working on the club’s training ground.
“From a football perspective, it makes sense to re-integrate Greenwood into the squad. He is an exciting young striker and was selected to play for England.
However, if Greenwood returns (and it now seems likely), public backlash is inevitable. The photos and recordings cannot be unseen or unheard of.
Many Manchester United fans protested against the possibility of Greenwood’s return ahead of the first Premier League game of the season. Domestic violence charities, some of the club’s sponsors and many staff will be furious if Greenwood returns.
“Parents will be concerned about the message the club will send to its young supporters. Erik Ten Hag will also probably receive endless questions at press conferences about the principles of the club when Greenwood returns.
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