The official independent Manchester United Supporters Trust (M.U.S.T.) have condemned Manchester United's intentions to be founding members of a new breakaway European Super League.
It was announced late on Sunday night United, AC Milan, Arsenal, Atlético Madrid, Chelsea, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Tottenham are the founding clubs and promised three other clubs would join ahead of the inaugural season.
The Super League would be a midweek competition and the 12 clubs intend to commence it as 'soon as practicable'.
The plans have received huge backlash from football supporters across the continent with the M.U.S.T condemning the creation of a European Super League in a statement released prior to the official announcement.
"These proposals are completely unacceptable and will shock Manchester United fans, as well as those of many other clubs," it began. "A “Super League” based on a closed shop of self-selected wealthy clubs goes against everything football, and Manchester United, should stand for.
"To bring forward these proposals without any fan consultation, and in the midst of a global pandemic when people should be pulling together not serving their own selfish interests, just adds insult to injury.
"When Sir Matt Busby led us into the European Cup in the 1950s, the modern Manchester United was founded in the tragedy and then triumph that followed. To even contemplate walking away from that competition would be a betrayal of everything this club has ever stood for.
"We urge everyone involved in this proposal including Manchester United to immediately withdraw from this proposal."
