Manchester United's most loyal supporters are beginning to give up hope as the club endures its worst start to a Premier League season in 40 years, winning just two of 12 matches in all competitions. A banner reading "we'll support you ever more" was unfurled in the Stretford End before the Bournemouth defeat, but even long-time fans acknowledge United are not the club they fell in love with.
Fan's message highlights growing apathy
A United fan posted a text message exchange with their father on social media that many will relate to. "None of us are entitled to success, but we are entitled to see a football club functioning," the post said. "This text is from my 82-year-old dad, who moved to Manchester from Ireland in the 1960s to watch United. 'Rapidly losing interest' he said. It's s*** that this era will be the last he sees."
While there have been objectively worse teams fielded at Old Trafford, the current plight feels darker due to the widening disconnect between the club's hierarchy and its fans. United's decline began when Sir Alex Ferguson left, with the Glazers making a mess of footballing decisions, but even the American family did not increase ticket prices when the product on the pitch worsened.
Ratcliffe's promises fall flat
Sir Jim Ratcliffe promised to put the "Manchester" back into Manchester United when he acquired a minority stake two years ago, but he is described as just as bad as the Glazers. Ratcliffe has made many egregious decisions that have eroded the club's culture and hit fans' pockets. United were rubbish before Ineos arrived, and they are still rubbish today, but charge fans more.
The ticket-touting investigation debacle over the summer was the latest assault on the club's match-going contingent, making it seem like United don't want season ticket holders. There is a sense of hopelessness among supporters as the club limps from one mistake to another. Michael Carrick's interim stint offered a brief respite, but a dysfunctional club cannot remain serene for long.
Fans numb to shocking results
United fans are now numb to shocking results. Bournemouth have won 3-0 on three of their last four visits to Old Trafford, and nobody was surprised at the latest defeat, because this is the level the club now operate at. The issues extend far beyond the dross on the pitch, and United will not get out of their rut until the Glazers and Ratcliffe hand over the keys.
Under current ownership, there will be flashes of positivity, the odd trophy won, and a good season here and there, as United can still spend more than most Premier League teams, but that is their ceiling. The talk of winning a Premier League title by 2028 is fanciful, as United spent £148million in the summer window while Tottenham, who finished 14 places below United last season, spent more than double that amount.
The stadium project is seemingly only going to make things worse. United will have a state-of-the-art arena, but there is little point in having a world-class home if the club are not prepared to sign the best players. "You can stick your new stadium up your a***," chanted United fans during the Bournemouth defeat, along with airing brutal anti-Glazer, anti-Ratcliffe and anti-Wilcox chants. The fanbase is at breaking point, and when United's most loyal fans are losing love for the club, the end is nigh.
