Manchester United attempt to rebuild bridges with fans

Manchester United’s relationship with their travelling support has been tested repeatedly this season.

Another adjustment to the schedule has once again pushed fans into difficult territory, turning what should be a routine away trip into a logistical headache.

United’s visit to the south coast has been selected for a Friday night slot, a decision that effectively forces many supporters to take time off work just to attend.

Public transport options after the final whistle are virtually non-existent, especially for what is United’s longest league journey of the campaign.

Manchester United have made a rare and widely welcomed gesture by offering free return coach travel from Manchester for the clash against AFC Bournemouth, as reported by The Athletic.

Ordinarily, a coach for that journey would cost supporters around £50, with train fares even steeper on a weekday evening.

The decision carries added significance for disabled supporters, including wheelchair users, who regularly rely on club-organised travel to attend away fixtures safely.

It also reflects a growing awareness inside Old Trafford that fans have borne the brunt of broadcast-driven scheduling decisions.

United’s calendar between February and early April has been particularly unforgiving, with just two weekends out of eight featuring Saturday or Sunday fixtures.

The issue reached boiling point when supporters staged protests at Old Trafford against Fulham, as frustrations over ticket pricing, ownership and scheduling spilled into the stands.

That protest served as a reminder of how fragile the relationship between club and fans had become.

Since then, there has been a quiet effort behind the scenes to ease tensions and rebuild trust.

Club executives had already raised concerns with the Premier League, with chief executive Omar Berrada personally outlining United’s frustrations to league CEO Richard Masters.

United stressed the cultural importance of matchgoing supporters and pushed for earlier confirmation of televised fixtures, particularly during the festive period.

Fan groups echoed those concerns, with the Fan Advisory Board and Fans’ Forum repeatedly highlighting how late changes disrupt family life and increase costs.

The Bournemouth travel initiative is understood to be a one-off, but it did not happen by accident.

United’s Director of Fan Engagement, Rick McGagh, worked closely with supporter representatives to ensure the proposal was approved internally.

For many fans, the free coaches are less about the money and more about recognition.