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The football might be worryingly unchanged at Manchester United this campaign but as Sunderland get ready to come to the stadium and add more stress on struggling head coach the team's leader, one aspect has definitely altered.

The protests in view of the executive seating that were a regular element of Manchester United home games have disappeared.

"The club has moved everyone out," stated elderly the long-time fan.

"They have padded seats now. Include a dining experience in the city and a few beverages before the game... I noticed an advert, a seat close to my previous location, it was almost six hundred pounds. I was charged twenty-three pounds."

Relocation Decision

Carney was one of the season ticket holders informed by the team management they were being moved at the end of last season as the area was converted to a business hospitality area.

He had been sitting in the identical location since 1980. Many of the fans he shared the area with had formed friendships.

The protests - with the homemade messaging - captured attention but did nothing to change the club's position. Investor the club executive pushed on in his mission to drive up income, cut expenses and minimize losses.

Financial Impact

Fans being moved were offered a selection of where to go.

In his case, there was an extra sting.

"Individually, they remained silent, they failed to contact with me, I didn't expect them to," he said.

"They provided me with a seating chart, similar to you would for the theatre, with different seats for me to select.

"I ultimately selected in the section adjacent to mine but closer to the pitch. I was used to the people that sat around me and a couple lads had moved a few rows from the field.

"I wasn't particularly keen to be in that location but I desired to stay in touch with them, so that's where I chose.

"They had sent communication to indicate the season tickets were only increasing 5% - but it also said the discount for senior citizens was being cut.

"So now, my seat is not as good and it is twice the price. It was £420 last year, now it is eight hundred forty pounds."

Team Response

Manchester United say they recognize the frustration of Carney and others in the same situation but they are mostly not remorseful about implementing the changes.

The investor had been clear in his evaluation United's huge losses could not persist, warning there was a danger the organization might 'go bust' if no action were taken.

To that end, relocating fans in premium locations that can attract such a substantial premium on previous rates was a obvious decision.

Economic Improvement

Recently, United confirmed deficits had been cut by over seventy percent from £113.2m to £33m.

Chief executive Omar Berrada confirmed the better economic results would "assist our primary objective: achievement on the field".

To date, the expected improvement has failed to materialize, with the team losing three of their multiple top division matches in plus being eliminated of the EFL Cup by League Two Grimsby, the initial occasion in the club's history they have been defeated by a lower division team.

Historical Context

Being a person who started supporting Manchester United in the late 1940s and still has collectibles documenting the development of the historic team, the supporter has seen numerous good and difficult times.

He says he doesn't recall the situation being quite so bleak as currently.

"The current situation is the worst as it has been," he said. "It's just heartbreaking.

"The team experienced significant challenges between 1959 and 1962 but there was bound to be a substantial decline after the Munich crash as the club was rebuilding.

"There were difficult periods in the seventies. I believe Sir Matt [Busby mentally thought he was done after securing the continental trophy. The club made some poor signings and got relegated.

"However the passion among the supporters was still present and the team members we had made efforts. When we signed Steve Coppell and additional players to the club, you could observe the signs of improvement. I don't perceive that at present."

Upcoming Considerations

The supporter is still considering if he will continue his season pass again the coming campaign.

At the very least, he will attempt to move seats once more, having got soaked during the recent win over the London team as the weather drove heavy precipitation across the first few rows of the stadium where he now sits.

He has become older where he can't be certain how much longer he will be able to travel from his Northwich residence with his United mad grandson, who is disabled.

Regardless, he is not alone in feeling the sport he has cherished all his life has changed at the elite tier, and in negative ways.

"In my opinion the heart is there anymore. It is not only Manchester United, it is across the board. It's commerce, it's finance. The days that are gone will not return," he stated.

"Now there are a lot of casual visitors who come from globally saying they have visited the stadium to watch Manchester United.

"United possess resources - but they are £1bn in debt.

"There is discussion about a modern arena but the way things are going, they might require less space for one hundred thousand people."