UNITED NOT FOR SALE

On Friday 6^th February a collection of Manchester United fans and shareholders undertook an operation to disrupt the 16:20 at Hereford racecourse on behalf of the Manchester Education Committee. This particular race and venue was chosen due to the fact that two of the original entrants – Hawk’s Landing and Majestic Moonbeam – are believed to be connected to the Coolmore empire of John Magnier and JP MacManus.

The Manchester Education Committee (MEC) has no interest in horseracing but feels this course of action to be the most effective way of applying pressure on Coolmore to take heed of Manchester United fans’ wishes when it comes to the ownership and running of Manchester United Football Club.

The MEC wishes to make clear that it originally had little or no interest in the ensuing legal action between Sir Alex Ferguson and Coolmore, it being a matter for the Irish courts to decide. However when Coolmore deliberately allow this dispute to publicly infringe upon and undermine the running of MUFC, as has happened in recent weeks, the MEC will resort to any means necessary in revenge.

Today’s action will hopefully make Coolmore aware of the scope of the options open to the MEC. This was a small, relatively insignificant protest orchestrated by invitation only. Plans are already afoot to publicly announce a target "spectacular" at a more convenient time for all United fans to attend and disrupt. Meanwhile the MEC’s intention is to hit more minor meetings such as Hereford until such time as Coolmore bow to the demands of the MEC.

It should be noted that the MEC agrees that the list of 99 questions submitted by Coolmore to MUFC plc regarding corporate governance of the organisation raises many legitimate concerns and we agree with the fact that the plc should be more open and answerable to shareholders and supporters alike. Many of their questions have been asked by supporters' groups and fanzines for years.

However:

1) Coolmore should note that the MEC will not allow MUFC to be abused as the plaything of any shareholder.

2) Coolmore should immediately agree to strike up a dialogue with leading supporters groups and abide by supporters’ wishes for the future direction of the club.

3) Coolmore should note that should they seek to offload their holding in MUFC at any time, the MEC will hold them accountable should the shares be bought by anyone whom the MEC considers to be detrimental to the good of MUFC.

A full list of demands will follow in due course. At present the MEC is pursuing a course of peaceful and legitimate action and has managed to contain sections of Manchester United’s support advocating more drastic measures. Any rash moves undertaken by Coolmore in the wake of today’s protest could well provoke these factions into unilateral action and the MEC would accept no responsibility for what may occur. Coolmore should await further correspondence, afford it due consideration and then respond.

Editors’ note: The Manchester Education Committee’s forthcoming targets are not restricted within any geographical boundaries, a fact of which all prospective buyers of MUFC should be aware. Two separate Active Service Units based in Eire currently await orders to instigate hostilities; whilst in America, Mr Glazer should be aware that ex-pat members of the MEC have already mobilised. (He should also note that a sizeable contingent of the MEC will, if necessary, travel on MUFC’s summer tour of the US.)

The MEC wishes to thank the two benefactors who financed today’s operation. Coolmore should also be aware that the MEC has been approached by a leading Manchester entrepreneur who has promised major financial backing for future operations both in Britain and abroad.