The Reds Go Green?

I did my General Certificate of Education (pre-University) 'A' and 'S' levels at a college adjacent to the Old Trafford football ground. It's, consequently, hardly surprising I became a Manchester United supporter. In my dotage, however, I have had to focus on teaching 'Environmental Awareness'. In 2021, United 'teamed up' with the Renewable Energy Group. So, how realistic are the claims that United is now doing its best for the planet? (https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/press-release-man-utd-team-up-with-renewable-energy-group). There's absolutely no doubt that 'top' sport, of all kinds, leaves a massive 'carbon footprint'. In football, emissions are generated, by the constructions of and modifications to, stadia. Quite a lot of energy is simply expended in maintaining the ground, training locations etc. Stadia may also need to be floodlit for some events. Generation of, import and sales of memorabilia are other issues. The really substantial emissions are generated, however, by transport of players, their support staff, media and fans, especially to away matches. Rather obviously, some modes of transport are worse polluters than others. Private jets are the very worst but even 'short hop' scheduled air travel is highly problematic. Emissions are massively compounded, if a successful team and/or its players, become involved in International competition. The previous just paints a very partial 'snapshot' of the emissions produced by a team like Manchester United. There's no way that 'teaming up' with the Renewable Energy Group will do anything meaningful to bring down United's 'carbon footprint'. The business model of all 'top' sports teams involves maximising their revenues (to pay salaries and shareholders). This means, being as successful as possible in every competition. It also means attracting the largest possible travelling fan base and selling tons of merchandise. I can't see any Premiere league team refusing (on environmental grounds), to take part in the UEFA Championship. Neither would they ban their players from representing their countries nor even discourage fans from travelling to away matches. United appears aware that environmental issues are a concern but, sadly, all they can currently offer is 'greenwash'!