Manchester United Supporters’ Trust respond to Mourinho’s comments about poor atmosphere at Old Trafford
Jose Mourinho laid into Old Trafford fans for their display during 2-0 victory over Huddersfield on Saturday
THE Manchester United Supporters' Trust have agreed with Jose Mourinho's comments about fans at Old Trafford.
He then continued to say: "No, it’s not Portsmouth. I remember Portsmouth when they were in the Premier League, such a small stadium, the atmosphere was absolutely incredible.
"In here the atmosphere is a bit quiet and it is not very, very enthusiastic."
Instead of a spiteful rebuttal, the supporters' trust wrote an open letter accepting the idea and pointing out how it can be improved.
It writes: "We believe that atmosphere is primarily dependent on the perceived relationship between fans and club - including the degree of supporter ownership and engagement."
They claim that the club could be doing more to ensure there is a better atmosphere around the ground, but it's not just limited to them alone - it's a wider issue in football.
The statement continues to list a few areas that could potentially have a positive impact.
Their suggestions include: capacity expansion, reclaiming the Stretford End, seat relocation, safe standing, expanding youth support, ticket pricing and supporter facilities in the stadium.
The trust also encourage other United fans, primarily season ticket holders, to come forward and give suggestions on how atmosphere can get better.
The statement read in full: "We note our manager's further comments regarding the poor atmosphere within Old Trafford following the Huddersfield home game.
"The decline in atmosphere is by no means limited to Old Trafford.
"It's an issue affecting clubs throughout the country. And it's certainly not an issue specific to Manchester United supporters - our away support is widely acknowledged, by fair minded fans, as the best in the country.
"We believe that atmosphere is primarily dependent on the perceived relationship between fans and club - including the degree of supporter ownership and engagement.
"In the absence of any imminent changes in the former we therefore concentrate on other areas where we can have an impact in the short to medium term.
"To that end, last week we met with Directors (both Board and Venue) to explore what can be done. We will be reporting on that meeting in the coming days.
"These where the items on the agenda: atmosphere; capacity expansion; reclaim the Stretford End; seat relocations; safe standing; expanding youth support; ticket pricing; supporter facilities in the stadium."