United publish Fan Engagement Plan

Publication of the document is a requirement for all clubs within a series of league-wide measures designed to promote meaningful, long-term engagement with supporters.

United has published its plan before the end-of-month deadline for clubs to do so, in order to showcase the club’s commitment to fan engagement ahead of the start of the Premier League season.

At the heart of the plan is the club’s dialogue with our two fan representative bodies – the Fans’ Advisory Board (FAB) and Fans’ Forum – to ensure that supporters’ opinions help shape decision-making on issues that affect fans.

The plan also highlights the club’s constructive work with groups such as Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) and Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association (MUDSA), and with The Red Army (TRA) on atmosphere.

Further strengthening of relations with our growing network of 284 official supporters’ clubs across 94 countries is another key aim.

Welcoming the fan engagement plan, first-team manager Erik ten Hag said: “Ever since I came to Manchester United, I have been impressed by the support of our loyal fans. We see and hear them at every game, home and away, wherever in the world we play.

“The strong bond we have established between the team and the fans is an advantage to us on the pitch, and something we want to continue to strengthen.

“Working together with our fans and listening to them is part of that process, so I am pleased the club will continue to make fan relations a priority.”

Richard Arnold, chief executive officer, said: “Our strategy is a simple one - to put football and fans first.

“Everything we do, and every decision we take, is viewed through that lens and should contribute to improving our on-field performance and the experience for our fans. I hope this plan has provided you with assurance about the huge amount of work already underway and our plans for the future.

“We are working hard to strengthen the role of fans at the heart of the club, and I can promise you that we will continue to invest time and resources in to strengthening our engagement with fans and ensuring you can have your say and be listened to. I am proud of the great progress we have made in the last twelve months but can assure you we have big plans and an unwavering determination to get even better.

“I encourage any fan reading this who is considering getting involved in a fan group or Supporters’ Club to do so. We need you and together we can win the United way. Thank you again for your fantastic support and loyalty. Everyone at Manchester United Football Club greatly appreciates it.”

In response to the plan, co-chair of the FAB, Christopher Saad said: “We welcome the launch of our Fan Engagement Plan for the 2023/24 season and the increased focus the club is putting on its engagement with fans.

“Our Fans’ Advisory Board has already held many discussions around the new Premier League Fan Engagement Standard, and we look forward to continuing to work together to achieve, and exceed, the requirements within it.”

Duncan Drasdo, chief executive officer of MUST, added: "As we have always said, football without fans is nothing and as such we welcome the publication of the club’s first Fan Engagement Strategy.

“Through MUST's direct dialogue with senior management, the introduction of a head of fan engagement, and the various club fan engagement channels, real progress has been made in recent years including the introduction of safe standing and the reclaiming of the Stretford End as well as many incremental improvements.

“There is, as ever, more to do to ensure fans sit in their rightful place at the heart of the club. We hope that today’s strategy will mark a further step in that direction, and we look forward to continuing to work with the club to make it so."

The document outlining our full commitment to our fans can be read here.