Manchester United have released a statement after club legend Norman Whiteside was impacted by a new club decision on season tickets.
Whiteside, 58, is not the only person to be impacted by these charges to relocate their season tickets at Old Trafford – and he is not the only one who has an issue with it.
Like we said above, Whiteside is not the only Red impacted by the removal or seats at Old Trafford, which will see more executive seats introduced to the stadium. This will impact fans who have sat in this area for years – together – making friendships, sharing unforgettable moments and more.
The former midfielder joined United as a teenager in 1978 and went on to score 67 goals for the club. He left Old Trafford following 274 appearances, joining Everton but would retire two years later due to injuries.
Whiteside is a platinum season ticket holder at Old Trafford, meaning that he has held the ticket for over 25 years, in block S122. The club are now forcing him and others to move elsewhere in the stadium to simply make room for the executives.
His wife Dee took aim at United’s treatment via social media – however, not just towards her husband – a club legend – but its loyal fans.
Manchester based newspaper, the Manchester Evening News, pushed the club for a comment on the situation.
A spokesman for United explained the reasons for the changes.
“We have the greatest respect for Norman as a legend of the club, and understand the disappointment caused to him and other season ticket-holders by seat relocations,” the statement began.
“There are various reasons why this happens, including, next season, the moving of matchday hospitality seats into consolidated blocks to address fan concerns about them being dispersed around the stadium.
“Other changes next season include the removal of hospitality seating from the Stretford End and installation of further rail seating in the North-West Quadrant, bringing benefits to many fans but also causing some disruption.
“No additional hospitality seats are being created at the expense of season ticket-holders — in fact hospitality seating will reduce by more than 500 next season. We are committed to working with all season ticket-holders affected by relocations, including Norman, to find them the best possible alternative seats elsewhere in the ground.”
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