For more than a decade, Manchester United has been at conflict with their fans.

However, it appears that the Glazers and the fans have never been so far apart since the first European Super League bid in 2021. As demonstrations erupted across the 12 original member teams two years ago, supporters made their opinions about the competition, as well as the club’s owners, perfectly plain.

To their discredit, United was one of the early adopters of the concept, which looked to lock the door on fair competition. Gary Neville couldn’t hide his rage in the aftermath.

“I’m not against modernisation of football competitions,” he went on to say. “I don’t think anyone can deny that we have the Premier League and the Champions League, but I think bringing forward proposals in the midst of COVID, the economic crisis that exists for all clubs, is an absolute scandal.”

“Manchester United and the other big six clubs that have signed up to compete against the rest of the Premier League should be ashamed of themselves.” I’m having trouble concentrating on the game. They should deduct six points from each of the participating teams. It’s a joke to do it during the season.”

Even Roy Keane, who usually steers clear of off-field issues, added, “I think it comes down to money, greed, we haven’t heard anything from FIFA yet but it doesn’t sound good.” Let’s hope everything comes to a halt, because I believe it is motivated solely by greed.”

Some clubs have managed to repair their reputations following the Super League debacle, but United’s public image remains at an all-time low. As a result, it was refreshing to see them come out and put any rumors about them joining the rebranding project to rest following the European Court of Justice’s verdict on Thursday.

Their short and to-the-point statement will be welcome news to fans and it is apparent the Reds have learnt their lesson following a public dressing down from their veterans. However, the present ownership still continue to make far too many blunders most recently during the Galatasaray home match which quickly became like an away atmosphere for United.

Some solace can be had with the knowing won’t be falling to the lowest levels of greed and degradation that we saw just two years ago.