By Peter.
A civil claim filed last week accuses Manchester United of failing to protect a child from sexual and physical abuse by Billy Watts, a long-time employee at the club’s The Cliff training ground during the 1980s. Watts, who died in 2009, worked as caretaker, groundsman, and kit man.
The claimant — anonymized for legal reasons — alleges abuse occurred while under United’s care and supervision. It remains unclear if he was an academy player.
“Our client has shown enormous courage… Survivors deserve more than sympathy — they deserve meaningful engagement and accountability.” — Kate Hall, Abuse Law Expert, Simpson Millar (representing the claimant)
The Sheldon Review (2021) Exposed Red Flags
The independent FA-commissioned report (2016–2021) into historical child sex abuse in English football did not name Watts, but cited multiple allegations against a deceased caretaker at United:
- Made inappropriate sexual comments
- Physically dragged a boy into an office
- Followed a player into the sauna and wrestled him
- Attempted to touch boys in showers
- Referred to by youth players as a “pervert”
- When confronted: “I’m only messing, shut up”
United’s 1980s Response:
- Conducted an internal investigation (unrelated to abuse claims)
- Redeployed Watts from The Cliff to Old Trafford
- Reason for move: unknown
Watts in United’s 1988 Yearbook
“We’ve never been able to find out just what Billy does! Suffice to say that he always seems to be busy and is quite the fixture now at The Cliff…” — Official Manchester United Yearbook, 1988
United’s 2019 Statement (After Allegations Surfaced)
“We have cooperated fully with the Sheldon Review… including interviews with former employees who handled the 1980s disciplinary process… All relevant information has been submitted.”
But Simpson Millar slams United’s current stance:
“Disappointing… Survivors need action, not just review contributions.”
Broader Context
This case echoes Barry Bennell (Man City), Bob Higgins (Southampton), and other historic football abuse scandals exposed by the Sheldon Review, which found systemic failures in safeguarding across clubs.
Advocates like The Offside Trust (founded by abuse survivors) are watching closely, calling for independent compensation schemes and mandatory trauma-informed policies in youth academies.
Next Steps:
- High Court case ongoing
- United yet to file defense
- Potential for more claimants to come forward
#ManUnitedAbuseCase #BillyWatts #SheldonReview #FootballSafeguarding #ChildProtection #JusticeForSurvivors #TheCliffScandal
