Michael Carney, an 81-year-old devoted Manchester United supporter, is being forced to relinquish 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 history, witnessing iconic moments from the Busby Babes era to the modern day.
The club is removing Carney from his seat in the lower section of the Sir Bobby Charlton stand as part of changes to increase revenue.
Like other fans in the area, Carney received a season ticket renewal letter explaining that their seats would become hospitality sections. The letter stated this change was due to the “high value of this unique location” and aimed to “raise hospitality revenue to keep general admission Season Ticket prices lower.”
During a recent derby match, Carney displayed a sign highlighting his displeasure, reading: “I was sat here before you were born!” and “74 years of loyal support – for what?”
Carney expressed his disappointment to the BBC, saying, “It is very sad after all these years… They are brilliant seats. Mine is smack on the halfway line… One way of looking at it is that we have been fortunate to be sitting there for all those years – but you get used to it.”
He also noted the increasing trend of the club selling tickets in his section for higher prices on individual match basis, suggesting this move to full hospitality was foreshadowed.
Fan Protests
Manchester United, under new sporting operations leadership, is implementing controversial changes, including seat reallocations. The conversion of regular seats to VIP hospitality areas has fueled fan anger, adding to existing frustrations over rising season ticket costs and debt.
Some senior season ticket holders are facing significant price hikes, with increases as high as 57 percent. Fan groups have organized protests against these changes, arguing that the club is prioritizing revenue over loyal supporters.
While the club argues that these hospitality conversions will generate revenue to help control season ticket prices, similar moves by other Premier League clubs have also faced fan backlash.
Chelsea, for instance, is charging extremely high prices for VIP experiences, highlighting the growing trend of clubs maximizing revenue from premium seating.
