Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has heavily criticised efforts made by the club to explain why it has abandoned plans for a breakaway Super League.
One of 12 European clubs willing to break away from UEFA and the Champions League to form an enclosed tournament of their own, Manchester United have fallen shorter than some of their contemporaries as attempts are made to justify their decision-making now that the plan has failed.
While Liverpool's John Henry offered an apologetic message to those who were upset by plans for the Super League, United were a touch more blunt.
"Manchester United will not be participating in the European Super League," the statement reads.
"We have listened carefully to the reaction from our fans, the UK government and other key stakeholders.
"We remain committed to working with others across the football community to come up with sustainable solutions to the long-term challenges facing the game."
It has not impressed the former club captain, Gary Neville.
"I've read this 3-4 times now," he tweeted on Wednesday morning.
"Quite possibly the worst communication I've ever seen in my life!"
I’ve read this 3-4 times now . Quite possibly the worst communication I’ve ever seen in my life! https://t.co/C0Rc8dsUWq
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) April 21, 2021
After a dramatic night for the club where Chief Executive Officer Ed Woodward announced his intention to depart the role at season's end, the statement was in stark contrast to that offered forth by Liverpool.
"I want to apologise to all the fans and supporters of Liverpool Football Club for the disruption I caused over the past 48 hours," owner John Henry said on Wednesday morning in a statement you can read here.
"It goes without saying but should be said that the project put forward was never going to stand without the support of the fans. No-one ever thought differently in England. Over these 48 hours you were very clear that it would not stand. We heard you. I heard you.
"And I want to apologise to Jürgen, to Billy, to the players and to everyone who works so hard at LFC to make our fans proud. They have absolutely no responsibility for this disruption. They were the most disrupted and unfairly so. This is what hurts most. They love your club and work to make you proud every single day."
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