Man Utd release statement after 'dumping club legend' out of his Old Trafford seat

Manchester United have been forced to issue a statement after "dumping a club legend" out of his seat at Old Trafford.

Norman Whiteside came through the ranks at United and went on to become the club's youngest ever goalscorer.

The former Northern Ireland international played 278 times across seven years for United, scoring 67 goals.

He was sold to Everton for a fee of £600,000 but retired at the age of 26 due to knee problems.

Whiteside is still associated with the Red Devils and has worked in an ambassadorial role.

He has had a platinum season ticket for 25 years but his wife Denise recently branded the club an "absolute disgrace" after his seat at the Theatre of Dreams was moved without consultation.

United have been renovating hospitality areas at their stadium, which meant some fans were relocated for the win over West Ham.

Taking to X, Denise wrote: "So, it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been a loyal supporter. Doesn’t matter if you played for your club, @ManUtd can just dump you from your seat when they feel like it, so they can expand exec seating! Absolute disgrace!

"I’d like to make clear that this post is not just about Norman. There are a whole block of loyal supporters who expressed their views to me at the West Ham game, but they feel as if they have no voice or platform to voice their anger."

Image: Getty

The post prompted the club to issue an apology to Whiteside, who broke Pele's record as the youngest player to appear at a World Cup tournament.

United explained that hospitality seats in the iconic Stretford End are being removed next season but said they will try to find the best possible "alternative seats".

As per The Mirror, a United spokesperson said: "We have the greatest respect for Norman as a legend of the club, and understand the disappointment caused to him and other season ticket-holders by seat relocations.

"These happen for various reasons, including, next season, the moving of matchday hospitality seats into consolidated blocks to address fan concerns about them being dispersed around the stadium.

"Other changes next season include the removal of hospitality seating from the Stretford End and installation of further rail seating in the North-West Quadrant, bringing benefits to many fans but also causing some disruption.

"No additional hospitality seats are being created at the expense of season ticket-holders - in fact hospitality seating will reduce by more than 500 next season. We are committed to working with all season ticket-holders affected by relocations, including Norman, to find them the best possible alternative seats elsewhere in the ground.”

Image: Getty

However, the apology and explanation did not suffice for Mrs Whiteside, who continued to vent on social media about being moved from the block they and many others have been in for more than two decades.

She also brought up the "less than spectacular" football on display this term and rising ticket prices.

She added: "It's not just about Norman, many of the 'United family' we sit with have been in that block for 20-30+ years, and are all really angry about this ENFORCED seat relocation.

"At a time when the football has been less than spectacular and the season ticket price is increasing!"