Myprotein were set to be the new training kit sponsors of Manchester United, but have now reportedly pulled out of the deal.
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Manchester United fans have been in uproar since the cancellation of the European Super League. Fans never warmed to club owners, Avram and Joel Glazer, yet the breakaway league brought fresh impetus to old hurt. The aftermath saw two seperate fan protests take place. The first one saw United fans break into the Carrington training ground before being talked down. However, the second saw fans gain access to Old Trafford and eventually cause the game against Liverpool to be postponed. Yet there remains a belief among certain sections of fans that more must be done to get the point across.
As a result, Manchester United fans have begun targetting sponsors of the club. The rationale is that affecting the club’s bottom line will force the Glazers – who have taken out over a billion pounds from the club since 2005 – to either pay attention or sell up.
Now, a report in the Guardian says that the backlash has seen a sponsorship deal with the club being called off.
Manchester-based company The Hut Group (THG) signed a 10-year deal worth 200 million pounds over 10 years. The deal was for United’s training kit, which is currently sponsored by Aon, the same company that sponsor their Carrington training ground.
THG-owned Myprotein were set to be the new sponsors but have now pulled out of the deal. The Guardian report says that the firm, who have offices in Manchester, were worried about being directly targetted by fans.
This news will come as music to the ears of United fans. However, it remains to be seen whether this is the beginning of something new or a one-off.
What can’t be disputed, however, is that the owners are taking notice. Joel Glazer even wrote an open letter to fans on Friday.
In it, the owner promised more communication with fans as well as consultation on key decisions. He also hinted at focusing on the current system of football, in effect ruling out a future Super League model being entertained by the club.
Whether fans accept what is being told is another matter. More protests are planned on Sunday (April 9) ahead of United’s Premier League game against Aston Villa.
