Boris Johnson comments on Man Utd fan protest at Old Trafford
Manchester United's American owners the Glazer family have failed to deliver on a promise made to fans 16 years ago when they took control of the Premier League giants. The unpopular Glazers are under increasing pressure to sell up after fans made their feelings known during protests which forced the postponement of Sunday's clash against Liverpool.
US Sports tycoons the Glazers have been a source of discontent among United fans since their successful takeover of the club back in 2005.
At the time, they told supporters they were "avid Manchester United fans" and promised to build on the success enjoyed by the Red Devils during more than a decade of dominance at the top of English football.
"Our intention is to work with the current management, players and fans to ensure Manchester United continues to develop and achieve even greater success," said Joel Glazer.
At the time, United were 15 times champions of English football, having won the Premier League title eight times in the previous 13 seasons under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Glazers have not delivered the success they promised at Man Utd (Image: PA)
They were on course for a third place finish, having qualified comfortably for the Champions League the following season, and had earned a place in the FA Cup final, in which they would be beaten by Arsenal on penalties.
The Glazers' move at the time sparked outrage among United fans - but even so it would have been difficult to foresee the decline of United's on-pitch fortunes that would eventually follow.
Ferguson led United to five more Premier League titles in the years to come to overtake Liverpool with an all-time leading 20 league crowns.
They also won the Champions League in 2008, as well as three more League Cups to add to the one already secured under Ferguson in 1992.
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But the club's lack of silverware success since the Scot retired in 2013 is well known, with United having added only one FA Cup, one League Cup and the Europa League to their trophy cabinet in the years since.
At the same time, fans have had to watch neighbours Manchester City surge to four Premier League titles - with another soon to be secured - plus two FA Cups and an astonishing run of six EFL Cup triumphs in eight seasons, while Pep Guardiola's side will also have the chance to be crowned kings of Europe in the Champions League final on May 29.
They have also witnessed fierce rivals Liverpool close the gap at the top of the all-time list of English title triumphs, with Jurgen Klopp's men having rampaged to their 19th top-flight crown last season.
On Wednesday, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has given his reaction to the protests from club supporters which led to their game against Liverpool on Sunday being postponed.