A dedicated Manchester United supporter is being compelled to relinquish his seat at Old Trafford, which he has held for 45 years. This change is being made to accommodate corporate hospitality.
Michael Carney, 81, has been a steadfast fan of United through decades of highs and lows – witnessing eras from the Busby Babes and the iconic trio of George Best, Bobby Charlton, and Denis Law, to the celebrated Treble of 1999 and the team`s current struggles.
Despite his long-term loyalty, the club is removing Mr. Carney from his seat in the lower section of the Sir Bobby Charlton stand.
Mr. Carney is among several devoted Man Utd fans who received season ticket renewal notices informing them that their seats will be converted into hospitality areas this summer.
The letter stated that a small number of general admission tickets near the home and away dugouts would be changed to hospitality seating. The club explained this decision is due to the “high value of this unique location” and aims to increase hospitality revenue, which in turn helps to keep general admission season ticket prices more affordable.
Expressing his disappointment, Mr. Carney displayed a sign during Sunday`s match against Manchester City. One side of the sign read, “I was sat here before you were born!” and the other side stated, “74 years of loyal support – for what?”
Mr. Carney, who cherishes newspaper clippings from the Munich air disaster and George Best`s legendary Benfica performance in 1966, feels betrayed by his club.
Speaking to the BBC, he expressed his sadness, noting that fans have limited options and little room to argue with the club`s decisions. He acknowledged the prime location of his seat, situated at the halfway line between the dugouts and directors` box, admitting he had been fortunate to sit there for so long, but had grown accustomed to it.
He also pointed out a trend where fans are frequently offered refunds for their tickets if they cannot attend games, suggesting the club has been reselling these prime seats at higher prices, hinting at their current move to convert blocks of seats to hospitality.
Fan Protests
Manchester United has implemented several controversial changes under Sir Jim Ratcliffe`s Ineos, who now oversee sporting operations. These changes include cost-cutting measures and the development of VIP hospitality areas.
The decision to relocate season ticket holders behind the dugouts has sparked further protests. Following the Manchester derby, hundreds of fans voiced their anger over rising season ticket costs, reduced concessions for seniors, and the significant debt burden of the club.
It was also revealed that some senior fans face a 57 percent increase in season ticket prices, a situation deemed “shameful.” A larger protest was organized by the fan group “1958” to express their collective discontent.
