MANCHESTER UNITED REQUESTS FAN FEEDBACK, UNVEILS NEW FORUM

          Manchester United on Sunday unveiled plans for an
     independent supporters' forum for fans, according to Matthew
     Garrahan of the FINANCIAL TIMES.  Fans will be asked to "put
     forward nominations for categories of representative" to a
     15-member group, which will include season ticket holders,
     disabled fans, executive box-holders and independent
     supporter association members.  The move follows last week's
     launch by the Premier League of a "'customers charter' aimed
     at improving communication between fans and clubs." 
     Garrahan called the United's plan "the most high-profile
     example of clubs recognising the role played of supporters
     in the running of the business.  The society's involvement
     shows the club's desire for the forum to be seen as
     independent of the [team's] board."  United Group Marketing
     Dir Peter Draper said the consultative forum will be
     "external to the club and we will meet it regularly during
     the year" (FINANCIAL TIMES, 8/21).