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High-ranking Manchester United officials reportedly held a first-time meeting with 1958, a fan protest group that organised several strikes against the Glazers.
Andy Mitten of The Athletic reports that the meeting took place for 80 minutes and was attended by United chief operating officer Collette Roche and director of fan engagement Rick McGagh.
The 1958 were represented by four members of the group.
United have previously had discussions with other fan groups including Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) and The Red Army (TRA) but have never done so with The 1958.
Indeed, United co-owner Joel Glazer personally had a sit-down with a section of the club’s supporters as recently as last week, during a fans’ advisory board meeting at Old Trafford.
The 1958 told The Athletic, “This week members of The 1958 met with Collette Roche and Rick McGagh to advise our intention to move into fan representation.”
“We discussed our concerns around the current fan engagement process and how this could be improved. Although we didn’t get through all our agenda, we feel it was a positive introduction and a platform to move forward.”
“Fan coalition 58 (FC58) will be the fan representation division of The 1958. We will remain fiercely independent. No agenda.”
A United spokesperson also disclosed to the newspaper, “We believe in the benefits of dialogue between the club and fans and meet with a variety of groups as part of this approach from time to time.”
“Our main channels for engagement continue to be via our fans’ advisory board, fans’ forum and the recognised independent supporters’ trust, MUST.”
“These channels give fans a voice at the heart of the club, and we welcome all fans and fan groups who want to engage constructively within that framework.”
United return to action this weekend when they welcome Thomas Fran’s Brentford at Old Trafford.
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