The Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) have released a statement inviting United Manager Jose Mourinho to meet them and engage in a dialogue about the current fan atmosphere at Old Trafford.
In the 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur this past Saturday, some booing was heard when Mourinho subbed off Marcus Rashford, and brought on Anthony Martial. Mourinho interpreted this as fans taking unjustifiable shots at striker Romelu Lukaku, and he has since repeatedly publicly defended Lukaku.
Mourinho has called attention to the fans, and even made it clear that the supporters have a right to boo him himself.
In the game program notes for the win over Benfica, Mourinho included the following sentence: “I hope that you enjoy the game more than some of you did against Tottenham.”
The manager has consistently be calling attention on the supporters, and now the supporters are calling attention on to him.
MUST released a statement, which read:
“There are differing views amongst supporters on precisely how to interpret the manager’s comments. However it’s probably fair to say there is a universal desire within the stadium to see atmosphere improved just as there is at other Premier League clubs.
“There are a number of factors that have contributed to atmosphere decline over the decades, some of which could be addressed with better co-operation between clubs and supporters.”
“MUST would certainly appreciate the opportunity to engage with the manager, as part of our existing dialogue with other club officials, on issues around atmosphere and would be more than happy to meet to discuss his concerns.”
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now and Minute Media. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and Chicago Now.
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