“I was sitting here long before you came into existence!”
During Sunday’s derby, Michael Carney showcased a homemade placard directed at Manchester United’s leadership that was both straightforward and striking, effectively capturing attention.
On the reverse side, the message read, “74 years of loyal support – for what?”
During the second half of Sunday’s goalless draw against Manchester City, Carney, 81, raised his sign toward the directors’ box at Old Trafford.
Following the match’s conclusion, a large contingent of United supporters expressed their discontent regarding the upcoming increases in ticket prices, the reduction of concessions, and the financial burden of servicing the club’s £1bn debt. This unrest was further amplified by a planned ‘sit-in’ protest organized by the 1958 fan group.
For Carney and his companions in the lower section of the Sir Bobby Charlton stand, the matter takes on a more personal significance.
This year’s season ticket renewal letter included a note from the club at the bottom.
Officials have announced that a limited quantity of general admission tickets located next to the home and away dugouts will be transformed into hospitality seats this summer. The significance of this distinctive location is underscored, as it is poised to enhance hospitality revenue, ultimately contributing to the maintenance of lower general admission Season Ticket prices. Your current seat falls within this block, necessitating the search for an alternative seat for the upcoming season.
Since 1980, Carney has occupied the same seat. Before that, he was situated in what was formerly referred to as the ‘United Road,’ now recognized as Sir Alex Ferguson’s stand.
In an interview with BBC Sport conducted at his residence in Northwich, located 25 miles from Old Trafford, Carney reflected on the legendary players he had witnessed firsthand. He mentioned the iconic Busby Babes, the revered trio of George Best, Bobby Charlton, and Denis Law, the formidable 1980s squad led by Bryan Robson, the long-awaited league title victory in 1993 after a 26-year drought, two Doubles, the historic Treble in 1999, and the Champions League-winning team featuring Cristiano Ronaldo.
Carney has preserved newspapers documenting the Munich air disaster, Best’s remarkable performance against Benfica in Lisbon in 1966, and the iconic 3-3 draw with Real Madrid two years later, which marked a significant step towards winning the European Cup for the first time.
United is at the center of his existence. He now perceives that they are abandoning him.
“After all these years, it is very sad,” he remarked. You could find yourself in any situation, and it seems unlikely that you would have much ground to contest it. “If you find it unappealing, feel free to leave.”
Concerns are rising among Manchester United’s legacy fans, who believe they are gradually being sidelined. A rising concern among particular Premier League match-going supporters suggests that the number of season tickets is reduced to attract more profitable ‘tourist’ fans or promote higher-priced hospitality offerings.
On Sunday, demonstrations took place in Tottenham. Before last Wednesday’s match against Leicester, Manchester City supporters took to the streets to voice their discontent, engaging in protests and chanting against their club. Concerns have arisen at Chelsea, West Ham, and several other clubs.
“These seats are exceptional,” he remarked. ” My position is directly on the halfway line, situated equidistantly between the dugouts and the directors’ box.” One perspective is that we have been fortunate to occupy that position for many years; however, it has become a familiar routine over time. For some time now, this phenomenon has been occurring on an individual basis.
Before each game, an email will be sent to remind attendees to inform the organizers that they will receive a refund if they cannot attend. Those who have yet to experience it will find that the locals often enquire about the price paid for the seat by whoever occupies it. The typical range frequently falls between £250 and £300. This approach provides insight into their intentions, aiming to remove everyone simultaneously.
Upon receiving the season ticket renewal letter, Carney expressed his surprise, which contained unexpected news.
He resolved to take a stand in light of a broader demonstration.
“I planned to take action in the second half, as I wanted to avoid the possibility of being escorted out of the stadium by stewards in the first,” he stated.
“As I waited, the clock ticked past the 60-minute mark, and I was surprised that no injuries had occurred.” This morning, I rose and proceeded to hang my poster. Onlookers shifted their attention towards the directors’ box, and the crowd applauded. The outcome met my expectations and garnered significant attention.
Carney has received word that the club intends to reach out to discuss his options, though that call has yet to take place.
He is expected to make a move, yet he asserts that it will not be the same. Carney travels to and from United games alongside his disabled grandson, expressing that he would truly miss the ‘banter’ if he were to stop attending.
“My initial response was, ‘I’ve been observing them for quite some time, and it revolves around money. I’m not interested in participating next season,'” he stated.
“While that remains a possibility, it is important to acknowledge United’s significant role in my life over the years.”
