Manchester United has published its Fan Engagement Plan for the 2023/24 season.
The document’s publication is a requirement for all teams as part of a league-wide initiative to foster meaningful, long-term interaction with supporters.
United released its strategy ahead of the end-of-month deadline for teams to do so, demonstrating the club’s commitment to fan interaction ahead of the start of the Premier League season.
The club’s engagement with its two fan representation groups – the Fans’ Advisory Board (FAB) and Fans’ Forum – is at the core of the strategy, ensuring that supporters’ ideas assist drive decision-making on matters affecting fans
United manager Erik ten Hag spoke on the fan engagement plan.
“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,” he stated via press release.
“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.
Fan groups of United include, Manchester United Supporters Trust, Manchester United Supporters’ clubs, Rainbow Devils, Manchester United Women Supporters Club, Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association, The red army and Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation. Catering for all different types of fans involved in the club, ensuring all keep engaged.
Richard Arnold, chief executive officer of Manchester United also offered his thought on the strategy.
“Our strategy is a simple one, to put football and fans first,” he said via press release.
“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.”
Manchester United’s goals before the end of the season include:
- Reviewing the first year of operation of its FAB and make any relevant updates to its terms of reference.
- Publish their first Annual Report and an updated Engagement Plan to cover the 2023-24 season.
- Consider the contents of the government’s recent White Paper on Reforming Club Football Governance and consequent developments, where they impact directly or indirectly on fan engagement.
- Undertake a review of the clubs Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) commitments and delivery to ensure fan engagement processes are fully representative.
- Launch a twice-year communication to fans from the clubs CEO.
These goals are set in place to maximise and improve the level of fan engagement and give back to the community in a matter of different ways.
