Man Utd to relax controversial rule vs Bournemouth for one game amid Storm Boelo disruption
Manchester United have offered 'reassurances' that they will relax a controversial rule for supporters for Sunday's Premier League clash against Bournemouth, it has been stated.
United take on the Cherries at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon with the effects of Storm Boelo still causing yellow weather warnings across the North West.
But both United's fixture, and that of Liverpool versus Brighton, are set to go ahead as planned. And United have decided to temporarily relax a controversial rule that has been regularly criticised by their fans.
Man Utd 'scrap' divisive rule for one game only vs Bournemouth
For all home season ticket holders, United's seat usage policy states that fans must attend, or list, resale or donate the cost of their seat through an official channel, for at least 16 of the 19 Premier League matches each season. Failure to meet that requirement usually results in the season ticket being suspended.
In a statement on the matter in February, United said they were 'encouraged that the vast majority of season ticket holders are on course to meet their usage threshold this [2025/26] season' and that they understood 'the challenges supporters face, particularly with our matches' dates and timings being rearranged after selection for broadcast'.
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But ahead of the Bournemouth clash, some supporters were concerned that travel issues caused by Storm Boelo - as well as by major Metrolink works that mean trams on three separate lines are not in operation, with a further two restricted - would cause them to miss the game at Old Trafford and count towards their season ticket match requirements.
But the Independent Supporter Liaison Officer for the Manchester United Supporters' Trust has issued a statement noting that, following discussions with the club, they have received 'reassurance' that the rule has been relaxed for one game only.
"Following contact with supporters affected by travel disruption, we raised this with the club this morning and have received reassurance that missing today's game because of weather-related cancellations will not count against minimum usage or affect seasonal ticket renewal," they stated.
"Resale through the club's system is unlikely at this stage, but transferring your ticket to an Official Member who can attend remains an option."
SPORTbible have contacted Manchester United Football Club for further comment.
What Premier League clubs are doing today amid Storm Boelo
While United did not release an official statement on their match against Bournemouth going ahead - it is indeed taking place - Liverpool have confirmed that both their Premier League match against Brighton and their Women's Super League match against London City Lionesses are still going ahead as planned despite the severe weather.
Their statement reads: "Due to the very windy weather, please take care if you are travelling to either game, plan your journey in advance and give yourself extra time.
"Club stewards will be on hand at both stadiums to assist supporters - please follow their guidance when you arrive."
Topics: Man Utd, Bournemouth, Premier League
Ryan Smart