Manchester United fans have accused the club of prioritising player needs and hospitality arrangements over the interests of long-standing season ticket holders.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the club’s decision to relocate 850 supporters from the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand for the 2024/25 season has been heavily criticised.
The club wants to accommodate players’ families in the S122 section, but the decision has left many fans questioning the club’s commitment to its community asset image that new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has constantly touted.
Some fans who have supported the club for decades are affected by the relocation. They have been airing their disappointment and frustration with the situation.
A season ticket holder for 68 years with disability needs stated: “It’s fair to say that I was devastated. Manchester United has always been a community of fanatical supporters, yet unfortunately, it appears that we are being treated as a commodity.“
“The club is contributing to the erosion of the community-first values that make Manchester United more than just a football club,” another fan lamented.
United have responded to the backlash, clarifying that they are reducing their overall hospitality allocation for next season.
A season ticket holder for 68 years with disability needs stated: “It’s fair to say that I was devastated. Manchester United has always been a community of fanatical supporters, yet unfortunately, it appears that we are being treated as a commodity.“
“The club is contributing to the erosion of the community-first values that make Manchester United more than just a football club,” another fan lamented.
United have responded to the backlash, clarifying that they are reducing their overall hospitality allocation for next season.
Thousands of seats are being removed from the Stretford End to be made available to regular fans. They have also claimed they consulted with players and families regarding the dedicated seating section.
However, the relocation of long-standing fans remains a bone of contention.
The club has maintained that the decision was based on extensive fan feedback and that the S122 section was chosen due to its higher proportion of internal ticket allocations.
United acknowledged the inconvenience of the whole situation but maintained that the relocation process would be handled sensitively. The club stated that they would prioritise individual circumstances.
They have outlined a plan to contact affected fans based on their tenure. The club will start with the longest-standing season ticket holders to discuss alternative seating options.
