Since the 2016-2017 season, Manchester United have not taken a top prize. Under then coach José Mourinho, United managed to win the Europa League at the expense of Ajax. Since then, the Manchester club has been lagging behind, And that while arch-rival Manchester City managed to win one trophy after another. It is noisy in the red part of Manchester, and the rumours about the European Super League are certainly not helping.
On April 19, the Super League was confirmed. Twelve top European clubs, including Manchester United, had devised a new format that would come at the expense of the Champions League. The Super League had only one goal: more revenue. Due to the covid-19 pandemic, football clubs were hit hard and many debts were incurred. Their only way out, they claim, is to form a Super League, which would generate much more revenue than the Champions League.
The idea was scorned upon arrival, and for a long time there was unrest in Manchester. Eventually, after protests from fans around the world, the plug was pulled on the Super League. However, United’s fans have not forgotten the actions of owners Joel and Avram Glazer. After their home game against Liverpool, supporters stormed the stadium demanding the departure of the Glazers, who they believe are destroying the club and its future.
The commotion comes at an inopportune time for United. The Champions League for the 2021-2022 season has been set, and United is predicted to win another prize for the first time since 2017. In the Europa League final on Wednesday, May 26, they will face the Spanish Villarreal. In this, the English are estimated as favourites among bookmakers and spectators. Nonetheless, this is not the prize the United fans want to see. The supporters would like to get back to the European top, as well as the Premier League title which has not been claimed since 2012-2013. Arch-rivals Manchester City managed to win the Premier League no less than four times in that period.
Manchester will remain a football hotspot for the time being. The supporters will continue their campaign to overthrow Glazer ownership, and hopes to return to form in pursuit of their rivals will be ever stronger in the coming season.