Major Manchester United backer slams Glazers for ‘reputational damage’ from failed Super League

Major Manchester United backer hits out at under-fire Glazers for ‘reputational damage’ caused by failed attempt to establish European Super League… and reveals details of meeting with owners

  • Manchester United have been criticised by a big backer over the Super League 
  • Nick Train, who manages Lindsell Train, has pointed to ‘reputational damage’ 
  • Lindsell Train owns around seven per cent of the club and expressed concern 
  • United supporters have held two large protests to call for the Glazers to sell up 


One of Manchester United‘s biggest backers has criticised the club for inflicting ‘reputational damage’ in the wake of last month’s foiled plan to establish a European Super League.

Nick Train, who manages the UK Equity Fund Lindsell Train, expressed alarm in face-to-face meetings with representatives of the controlling Glazer family as discontent over the proposals rumbles on.

Lindsell Train owns 27 per cent of United’s New York-listed Class A shares, comprising around seven per cent of the club, while it also has a significant interest in Juventus, who are yet to extricate themselves from the breakaway, and Celtic.

A major Manchester United backer has hit out at the Glazer ownership over ‘reputational ‘damage’ after the failed European Super League breakaway

Train wrote in his monthly report to investors: ‘The announcement of the breakaway European Super League (‘ESL’) in April came as a surprise to us.

‘In response, we requested and have now had meetings with all three clubs (including Celtic, even though it was not a member of the ESL).

‘At these meetings we expressed our disappointment about the reputational damage Juventus and Manchester United have inflicted on themselves.

United supporters have vocally demanded for the Glazers' ownership of the club to be ended

United supporters have vocally demanded for the Glazers’ ownership of the club to be ended

‘We asked for clarity about their position regarding the ESL going forward. 

‘Most importantly, we urged them to return to respectful negotiations with all members of the football community to work toward mutually beneficial ends.

‘We continue to monitor events closely as they unfold, while considering their implications for our investment case.’

Joel (left) and Avram (right) Glazer are pictured with boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in April 2019

Joel (left) and Avram (right) Glazer are pictured with boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in April 2019

A large police presence was at Old Trafford for the Liverpool fixture with another protest held

A large police presence was at Old Trafford for the Liverpool fixture with another protest held

Lindsell Train’s concern echoes those of some of the club’s commercial partners, including reports that kit sponsors Adidas were disappointed not to have been briefed in advance about the proposals.

United fans have vowed to continue their protests against the Glazer family when fans are allowed to return to Old Trafford for the club’s final home match of the season against Fulham on Tuesday.

Earlier this month, United’s game against Liverpool was postponed after fans invaded Old Trafford prior to the scheduled kick-off, while protests continued outside the stadium during this week’s rearranged fixture.