Sport

United planning to welcome fans back for Leeds game as spectators return to sport

There is hope that Manchester might be downgraded to a Tier 2 area when the next review of regional lockdown restrictions takes place, and Man Utd are already finalising plans for spectators to return to Old Trafford.

The Manc The Manc - 11th December 2020


Alessio Festa / Unsplash

When the second national lockdown ended on December 2, the government gave sporting venues across England the go-ahead to reintroduce spectators.

Sporting arenas that fall in Tier 1 and Tier 2 areas have been quick to take advantage.

A total of 1,000 boxing fans will enter Wembley Arena this weekend to watch Anthony Joshua fight Kubrat Pulev. A thousand spectators will be socially distanced around Alexandra Palace during each session of the PDC World Darts Championship.

Kempton Park racecourse will also allow spectators through their gates for the first time this season during their popular Boxing Day meeting, and those in horse racing are hopeful that the Cheltenham Festival, which takes place next March, will be played out in front of a healthy crowd.

Premier League football fans returned to stadiums in London, and other areas who aren’t shackled by Tier 3 regulations, last weekend.

There were 2,000 home fans looking on as Manchester United came from behind to beat West Ham at the London Stadium. Sadly, Man City’s home win over Fulham was played out in front of empty stands.

Jaleel Akbash / Unsplash


Manchester remains in Tier 3, meaning sporting venues, along with bars, pubs and restaurants, remain closed to the general public.

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There is hope, however, that Manchester might be downgraded to a Tier 2 area when the next review of regional lockdown restrictions takes place, and Manchester United are already finalising plans for spectators to return to Old Trafford.

“It is important to present these conditional plans for the return of our fans to allow preparations to be made.” said, Collette Roche, Manchester United’s Chief Operating Officer.

“We are eager to welcome them back and thank them in advance for their patience and co-operation with our new operating policies, that are in place to keep everyone safe. Responsible behaviour will help build trust and confidence, helping us move back to greater capacity numbers in the future once Manchester’s restrictions are reduced.

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“We know we are asking a lot from our fans in terms of the adjustments to their usual matchday routines. In return, we are committed to making the experience as safe as possible for them and their families and have also kept ticket prices low.”

Leeds celebrating promotion / Wikimedia Commons

The first opportunity for home fans to return to the Stretford End could be the mouth-watering clash with Leeds United on December 20.

It’s been ten years since the Pennines Derby took place at Old Trafford, and season ticket holders will be clamouring to take up their usual seats in the stands.

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Only 2,000 fans will be permitted to watch United take on Leeds, which is less than 3% of Old Trafford’s overall capacity.

The majority of tickets will be allocated to season ticket holders, who will enter a random ballot.

A small portion will go on sale to the general public, and United have lowered their adult admission price to just £30 to mark this special occasion.

Sport

Dream Days return at Manchester United as first-team stars meet fans face-to-face

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester United Foundation Dream Day fans and players meet-up

Man United have made more unforgettable memories with their fan base as they once again invited supporters to the club’s training ground for the latest edition of Dream Day.

Now a bi-annual occurrence, the Dream Day events are not only yet another way of giving back to the local community, but also to give those less fortunate and facing difficult life circumstances a truly wholesome experience.

Set up by the Manchester United Foundation, the player meet-ups provide an opportunity for Reds with life-limiting illnesses to meet their heroes up close and personal.

They’ve always been such special days, and after more than two decades, they’re still bringing smiles to fans’ faces both in the flesh and online.

Commenting on his first attendance as a United player, recent and high-flying signing, Bryan Mbeumo, said: “It’s been a really good experience to take part in the Foundation’s Dream Day. To be able to meet the families, take photos and sign the shirts, I’m just grateful to be here and to make them smile.”

Being cheered as he entered the room at Carrington Training Complex before walking around to meet and greet, he went on to describe it as “just amazing to meet everyone, especially because they are cheering us on every weekend.”

Fellow newboy Benjamin Sesko was also clearly moved by the whole thing, adding: “It’s really special for us, because we can help to put smiles on fans’ faces and answer some questions. I know it helps them a lot, it gives them a great feeling, and for me it’s really nice to give back and help in any way I can.”

With so many senior United squad members in attendance, from established starting XI players like Mbeumo, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Noussair Mazraoui, to youth graduates like Kobbie Mainoo, Ayden Heaven, and many more, virtually everyone possibly available made an appearance.

One particularly touching sight was seeing young Jayden meeting his idol in club captain Bruno Fernandes, who shared a heartwarming embrace.

You can find out more about how to be part of a Man United Dream Day HERE. (Credit: Supplied via MU Foundation)

Speaking on yet another emotional day, Fernandes said: “It’s important as a Manchester United player to take part in these days and to give back to the fans.

“It’s always great to see the kids smiling when they meet us. We can sense the love and support they give to us on and off the pitch – being with them in these little moments is what it’s all about.”

The 12-year-old matchgoer himself was understandably over the moon to meet the ‘Portuguese Magnifico’, telling the Foundation: “It’s been amazing today; I was quite star-struck when they all walked in, I didn’t really know how to react!

“I love all the players, Bruno is my favourite, and he even recorded a message wishing my football team good luck ahead of our game.”

As for his dad, he went on to note: “To see him experience it after everything he’s been going through, you just can’t put it into words. “It means an awful lot to him, and I can see that meeting the players has been so inspiring. They were really lovely with him, and so nice and welcoming.”

From regular school and hospital visits to the return of the upcoming winter Stadium Sleepout, the United Foundation does incredible work across Greater Manchester all year-round, and we’ll never tire of seeing moving scenes like these.

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Featured Images — Manchester United Foundation (supplied)

Sport

Salford Red Devils granted another adjournment over unpaid debts

Danny Jones Danny Jones Salford Red Devils given 2 more weeks by HMRC unpaid debts

Salford Red Devils have been given one more adjournment and yet another stay of execution, being given another two weeks to find the money to cover their unpaid debts.

The local rugby league side, which has been wrapped in all manner of struggles both on and off-pitch over the past year or so, reportedly needs to pay around £700,000 to HMRC alone and still owes roughly £5 million in total to various creditors.

Earlier this month, the Red Devils were officially relegated from the Betfred Super League, leaving Salford supporters not only even more furious but also dropped by the top tier themselves, despite having one of the best fan bases in the country.

To no surprise, regular matchgoers, neutrals and even rivals alike have expressed their continued disappointment with the club, mainly at the lack of transparency and clarity from the organisation throughout this long, drawn-out process.

Updating fans on social media, this is all the information they have communicated at this time: “Salford Red Devils can confirm that HMRC have granted the club a two-week adjournment, providing additional time in which to secure the necessary funds.

“We would like to reassure supporters that we are working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure a positive resolution. Further updates will be shared as soon as possible.”

It’s worth noting that the current owners have reiterated that they inheited around £3m in existing debt before they took over the club, but assurances over their own investments have still come to nothing; meanwhile, with many still waiting on wages, players and staff alike have now left.

Having been propped up by loan players and emergency loans, the team is now closer to a skeleton crew than it is an outfit capable of competing in the premier division.

Either way, the outrage remains and is only growing stronger. One user wrote on X: “A good approach by them if they was legit would be to engage and bring in The 1873 to bridge the communication black hole (they created).

“The problem with that is if they did it would expose them for what they are… Extortionists using the club as a vehicle.”

More alarm bells were raised recently when assistant coach and Krisnan Inu – who was also director of the company set up to take over the business – withdrew himself from a key position behind the scenes.

Eyebrows raised as key coach and director of the company set up to buy Salford Red Devils resigns

Speaking of The 1873, the outspoken supporters trust took no time at all in issuing a response of their own, adding: “The judge presiding over today’s case has adjourned by 14 days. This adjournment has dragged the uncertainty on even longer.

“Every delay makes planning for 2026 harder and keeps the club stuck in limbo when it desperately needs clarity and direction.

“The fans, the players and the future all deserve better — The 1873.”

You can see the rest of their statement in full down below, but for now, what do you make of this seemingly neverending saga, Salfordians?

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For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Anthony Parkes (via Geograph)

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