United fans.

Woodward's update on return of supporters

Thursday 17 June 2021 21:08

Ed Woodward has voiced his optimism that fans will be allowed to return to Old Trafford in larger numbers next season and reiterated the club’s commitment to strengthening engagement with supporters.

Manchester United’s executive vice-chairman highlighted the successful return of 10,000 fans to our final home game of the season against Fulham and the trials under way of increased crowds at Euro 2020 and other sporting events this summer.

Old Trafford has not been full since the 2-0 win against Manchester City in March 2020 shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic forced games to be played behind closed doors.

United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.
Woodward said the absence of fans had “proved that they are the lifeblood of the game” and, while it is not yet clear how quickly football grounds will be allowed to return to full capacity, he was hopeful of sizeable crowds when the new Premier League season kicks-off in August.

“Following the successful return of limited numbers at the end of last season, and continued trials of increased crowds at sports events this summer, we remain optimistic about the prospect of fans returning to Old Trafford in larger numbers going forwards,” said Woodward, in remarks accompanying the club’s third-quarter financial results.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the players will be hoping to have fans cheering them on for the visit of traditional rivals Leeds United to Old Trafford on the weekend of 14/15 August, which was announced this week as our opening fixture of the 2021/22 Premier League season.

Woodward struck an upbeat tone on our prospects for the new campaign, and highlighted the steps being taken by the club to strengthen dialogue with supporters, following the recent meeting between Fans’ Forum representatives and executive co-chairman Joel Glazer.

“With the foundations for long-term success in place, including significant initiatives to strengthen engagement with our supporters, we look forward to the upcoming season,” said Woodward.

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