sport news MAN UNITED CONFIDENTIAL: 'Scumbags' accused of posing as disabled fans, Erik ... trends now
Manchester United have received allegations that 'scumbag' fans are posing as disabled supporters to gain access to away matches this season.
The club are given dedicated wheelchair spaces for every away fixture but Chas Banks, secretary of the Manchester United Disabled Supporters' Association, told the latest meeting of the Fans' Forum there has been 'widespread misuse' of these tickets by a group of disabled fans.
These have either been passed on to non-disabled supporters directly or through a third party in breach of United's ticket rules.
The club confirmed it was aware of claims able-bodied fans have been 'sitting in wheelchairs in order to access matches'.
Banks gave an impassioned update on the issue at the meeting. According to the minutes, he said: 'I have seen with my own eyes evidence of these scumbags doing this, and I have the photos.
Manchester United have received allegations that 'scumbag' fans are posing as disabled supporters to gain valuable tickets for away matches
'To the extent of them twice having been seen watching the match whilst sitting in a wheelchair on the wheelchair platform, and then the next game being seen standing in the able-bodied section bouncing up and down when United score a goal.
'This is not a victimless crime, and I find it very sad that some of the people who are losing out to these horrible selfish fans really are the least deserving of being robbed of their chance to get a ticket that they are entitled to.
'Because I promise you, for many of them, time is not on their side.'
Ten Hag's home comfort
Erik ten Hag won't have to look too far for a new job – or a new place to live – if United decide to make a managerial change at the end of the season.
He is Ajax's No 1 choice by some distance to return to his old post in Holland where he won three Eredivisie titles and two Doubles in five years – as well as reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League – before leaving for United in 2022.
Confidential understands that Ten Hag still has an apartment in Amsterdam, although the family home is in Oldenzaal is in the east of the Netherlands.
Ajax place under-fire Man United boss Erik ten Hag at the top of their managerial shortlist
The club's current situation is a far cry from the successes they enjoyed with the Dutchman at the helm between 2017 and 2022
New Ajax chief executive Alex Kroes is best friends with Ten Hag's agent Kees Vos, having launched the Sports Entertainment Group together, the agency that represents Erik as well as employing his son Nigel as an analyst.
Ajax have endured a torrid season and are currently in fifth place, 35 points behind leaders PSV Eindhoven, having slipped to the foot of the table at one point.
The 36-time Dutch champions have gone through three managers and are looking to replace interim boss John van 't Schip.
They also suspended Kroes earlier his month over allegations of insider trading before he was reinstated last week.
Ten Hag would be the standout candidate if he leaves United, but Ajax are not prepared to pay compensation and will only make their move if he is sacked or quits Old Trafford with one year left on his contract.
The club are prepared to wait until the end of May, with United due to face Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley again on May 25.
Murtough bolts back to OT
Usain Bolt got all the attention when he turned up in the directors' box for United's draw with Burnley at Old Trafford on Saturday, but another familiar face was back in town.
John Murtough looked tanned and refreshed after a holiday as he returned to United just two weeks after stepping down as football director.
The 50-year-old dined in the directors' lounge and then got together with staff after the game to say his farewells, having not seen some of them since the official announcement was made earlier this month.
Former United football director John Murtough (with Erik ten Hag in 2022) rushed back to Old Trafford to watch the Burnley game last weekend
Sprint legend Usain Bolt was the main centre of attention in the posh seats, however
Murtough spent more than a decade at the club but decided to step down even though United have yet to agree compensation with Newcastle to appoint Dan Ashworth as his successor.
It's unlikely to be Murtough's last appearance at Old Trafford with United committed to welcoming him back as a friend of the club who has been a fan since childhood.
Garnacho agent nabs Amad
Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo may be competing for a place on the wing at United, but Confidential understands that Amad has just signed with Garnacho's agent Carlos Cambeiro.
The Ivorian celebrated the highlight of his United career last month when he scored a sensational late winner in the FA Cup quarter-final victory over Liverpool.
However, Amad's four appearances since then have come off the bench, highlighting the challenge he faces to become a United regular.
Amad Diallo (right) has taken the same agent as Alejandro Garnacho (left), Carlos Cambeiro
The 21-year-old signed a contract until June 2025 when he joined United in 2021 for £19million in a deal that could be worth up to an additional £18.2m.
It includes an option to extend for another year, and it will be interesting to see how Cambeiro guides Amad's career from here.
Sir Jim's doubled up
Sir Jim Ratcliffe made it for the second half of United's FA Cup semi-final win over Coventry City after finishing the London Marathon in a personal best time, but the evergreen Ineos owner will be hard pushed to double up for the club's next Wembley appearance.
United face Tottenham in the FA Women's Cup final under the arch a week on Sunday. Even if it doesn't go to extra-time and penalties, the game will barely have finished by the time United's men kick off against Arsenal 200 miles away at Old Trafford.
Does Sir Jim head north or south? Or take the diplomatic route and just go for another run?
Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Wembley alongside Avram Glazer at the Wembley FA Cup semi-final
Ten Hag joins U18s party
Say what you like about Ten Hag's second season as United manager, he has not been afraid to give youth a chance.
It was no surprise to see the Dutchman turning up at Carrington for a celebration in honour of the all-conquering Under-18s team.
Adam Lawrence's side wrapped up the Premier League North title with victory at Wolves earlier this month before going on to complete the double last week when they beat Manchester City in the Premier League Cup at Leigh Sports Village.
Ten Hag attended the title celebration at the training ground to congratulate the players, and captain Finley McAllister is said to have given a great speech to the group.
As well as blooding Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo during his two years in charge, Ten Hag has promoted a number of youngsters onto the bench.
Ethan Wheatley became the sixth academy graduate to make his senior debut under the manager – and 250th in the club's history – when he came on against Sheffield United.
