Michael Carney, an 81-year-old devoted Manchester United supporter, is losing his seat at Old Trafford after 45 years. The club is converting his long-held spot to corporate hospitality.
Carney has been a steadfast fan through decades of Manchester United`s history, witnessing everything from the era of the Busby Babes and the legendary trio of Best, Charlton, and Law, to the highs of the 1999 Treble and the current challenges.
The club is removing fans like Carney from their seats in the lower section of the Sir Bobby Charlton stand to make way for premium hospitality areas.
Carney was among the loyal season ticket holders who received a letter informing them that their seats would be transformed into hospitality sections for the upcoming season.
The letter stated that these seats, located near the dugouts, are being converted to hospitality due to their “high value” and to increase revenue, which the club claims will help keep general season ticket prices more affordable.
Expressing his disappointment, Carney displayed a sign during a recent derby match against Manchester City. One side of the sign read, “I was sat here before you were born!” and the other side said, “74 years of loyal support – for what?”
Carney, who cherishes historical newspapers from the Munich air disaster and George Best`s iconic Benfica performance in 1966, feels betrayed by the club`s decision.
Speaking to the BBC, he expressed his sadness, noting that fans have limited options when the club decides to move their seats. He acknowledged the prime location of his seat, situated at the halfway line between the dugouts and directors` box, but emphasized his long-term attachment to it.
He also mentioned that the club has been subtly testing the waters by offering refunds to season ticket holders who couldn`t attend games, and then reselling those seats at much higher prices, sometimes £250-£300.
Fan Protests
Manchester United is undergoing significant changes under Sir Jim Ratcliffe`s Ineos, who now oversee sporting operations. These changes include cost-cutting measures and the creation of new VIP areas.
The decision to relocate season ticket holders behind the dugouts to create a hospitality area has fueled fan anger, adding to existing frustrations over season ticket price increases, reduced concessions for seniors, and the club`s substantial debt.
Some senior fans are facing a 57% increase in season ticket costs, a situation widely criticized as “shameful.”
The 1958 fan group organized a “sit-in” protest to voice their discontent.
However, the club argues that converting these seats to hospitality will generate more income, helping to moderate season ticket price increases for the majority of fans. They also point out that other Premier League clubs have adopted similar strategies for dugout-adjacent seating.
Notably, Chelsea is charging extremely high prices, reportedly £12,500 for a VIP dugout experience for two home games against Liverpool and Manchester United, highlighting the growing trend of premium hospitality in football.
