Manchester United under fire for 'flashing out' legacy fans

Manchester United is facing a wave of criticism after a controversial decision to reallocate seats at Old Trafford has left some of its most loyal supporters feeling abandoned.

The backlash follows

Lifelong fan Michael Carney held up a homemade placard questioning the club’s loyalty to its long-standing fanbase during

On one side, the placard read, “74 years of loyal support, for what?” a message directed squarely at the club’s hierarchy.

Mohammed Bajaber has become a cult hero after his starring role for Harambee Stars in March and he has been told what he must do to remain in the plans of coach Benni McCarthy.

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Carney, an ever-present figure in the lower section of the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand, has been supporting Manchester United for nearly three-quarters of a century.

But like others seated near the home and away dugouts, he received a season ticket renewal letter this year bearing unwelcome news that his seat, and others nearby, would be reclassified as part of a new hospitality zone.

The letter from the club that the lifelong supporter relayed to delivered the unfortunate news.

“We have identified a small number of general admission tickets directly adjacent to the home and away dugouts that will be converted to hospitality seats this summer. This reflects the high value of this unique location and will help to raise hospitality revenue to keep general admission Season Ticket prices lower. Your current seat is included within this block, and we will therefore need to find you an alternative seat for next season,» read the letter.

Obiero, who arrived in the Rising Stars camp earlier this week, will be hoping to make the final 21-man squad for the upcoming tournament.

For Carney and his fellow match-goers, the message was to move or lose your place at

Speaking to , Carney didn’t hold back.

“It is very sad after all these years,” he said.

“They could put you anywhere and I don’t think you will be able to argue much. If you don’t like it, clear off.”

Kenya Sevens had an impressive Singapore Sevens leg, where they reached the cup final, but that was not enough as they still stare at the prospect of World Sevens Series relegation.

Carney is not alone in his frustration. claiming they are being gradually edged out in favor of more profitable ‘tourist’ fans or high-end hospitality packages.

Season ticket holders, once considered the bedrock of English football, are increasingly finding themselves treated as an afterthought.

Carney noted how the change has been creeping in for some time.

“Before every game, you get an email saying if you can’t make the game, let them know and they will give you your money back. If you have not been, the lads around will ask whoever is in the seat how much they paid for it.»

Harambee Stars and Kenya Police midfielder Mohammed Bajaber has revealed his dream pairing that was previously courted by the club but yet to feature for Kenya.

While Carney admits he will likely accept a new seat, he knows it won’t be the same.

“My first reaction was, ‘I have been watching them for so long and it is all about money, I don’t want to go next season,'» he said.

The situation at Manchester United serves as a flashpoint in a wider debate as clubs chase commercial growth and global audiences.