Manchester United supporters could be destined for a bitter court battle with the Glazer family
as the dispute over the future of Old Trafford intensified on Wednesday night.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Manchester United Supporters Trust scored a victory over the
contentious club owners after their application to have Old Trafford listed as an asset of
community value was approved by Trafford Council.
An official listing reduces the possibility that the stadium could be sold by the Glazer family or
that the club could move to another ground.
With the application granted, it now means that should the Glazers, or any future owners,
decide to sell the ground, it would allow the supporters' group a six-month period in which
they could halt the sale and offer groups within the community - most probably led by MUST -
the chance to make a bid for the stadium.
However, United responded in bullish mood last night and are set to appeal against the
decision. Should the club's claim win over, MailOnline Sport understands that MUST would
without question take the case to court through a judicial review, with the trust convinced
that the asset - Old Trafford - meets the criteria of the Act.
A United club statement read: 'The club has received the decision by Trafford Council. Old
Trafford is, of course, a special place; it is the heart and soul of the club. The club obviously
sees it the same way, which is why over the last eight years it has demonstrated its
commitment to Old Trafford by spending around £90m upgrading its facilities and it will
continue that investment in the future.
'We do have concerns that the legislation is not being applied correctly which could set a
precedent throughout the country. Therefore, we have asked the council to follow the statutory
review process to ensure the legislation is being applied as intended and we shall continue to
keep open communication with the Council.'
In April, the Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) launched an attempt to safeguard the
future of the 103-year-old stadium by appealing for Old Trafford to be registered by Trafford
Council as an 'Asset of Community Value' under the 'Assets of Community Value Regulations
of the Localism Act (2011)'.
As MailOnline Sport exclusively revealed in July, United opposed the nomination, in a directive
understood to have been given by the club's American leadership. It is understood that United
fear that the change to the status of Old Trafford could have a negative impact or trigger
fluctuations in the share prices of the club on the New York Stock Exchange.
The Glazers are also wary that an official listing could make United a less attractive opposition
to prospective buyers should the time come when they decide to sell the club.
Upon hearing that the application had been granted, a MUST spokesman said: 'We welcome
this news - and believe both Manchester United and other football fans should too. While we
appreciate the owners have no current plans to move or sell Old Trafford, this is a decision
that helps to protect fans' interests in the long term, as no one knows what the future holds.'
MUST have long opposed the Glazer's controversial ownership of the club. They objected to
the aggressive way that United was taken into private ownership in 2005 and they have
consistently opposed the debt that has been burdened on to the club as a result.
The debt is currently estimated at around £370million, which is the sum remaining from the
heavily leveraged buyout of the club.
The rank and file at Old Trafford have also been frustrated by the Americans' refusal to
communicate with fans and explain the financial model while supporters have also been
frustrated by rising ticket prices.
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