Man United news: Finance guru hails Neville, Scholes and Giggs after new deal announced
It is “vital” that Man United continue to engage with the local community.
That is the view of finance expert Doctor Dan Plumley, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Red Devils’ latest partnership with UA92.
University Academy 92, which operates in tandem with Lancaster University, announced the partnership last Tuesday (25 January).
The university was co-founded by United icons Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil Neville and Nicky Butt.
United will deliver guest lectures and mentoring services as part of the tie-in.
The Glazers have come in for staunch criticism for their emphasis on the bottom line during their near-two-decade premiership at Old Trafford.
But Plumley insists that community engagement projects are “key” to ensuring that bedrock fans do not become disillusioned with the club.
“These projects are important, absolutely,” the Sheffield Hallam University expert told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams,
“It fits into the wider umbrella of corporate social responsibility. Clubs should do the right thing for their communities, and this is an example of that.
“Education is always key in this context. There is a lot theory on CSR and pillars of that, and education is always one that comes through.
“It makes sense in that regard and it’s a good thing to do. These things are vital to retaining that local fanbase.
“They are mindful of the fact that they are in a good place to do that given the link to the former players.
“It just fits. It makes life easier getting this sort of stuff through because they have the network and the connections there, with Neville and co.”
United are 4th in the Premier League.
They are next in action against Middlesbrough in the Fa Cup fourth round on Thursday (4 February).
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