Manchester United: How was Luke Littler able to get away tickets?

Adidas could accommodate a request for a ticket as it gets a small number for every game – and duly obliged.

The issue for some United fans is that away tickets are so hard to get hold of and the club are having a major crackdown over where tickets are going, amid concerns about a significant infiltration of touts, who are selling at vast profit.

Some supporters are dubious about the club’s intentions and feel ‘normal’ fans are being squeezed out, with new rules around how many times tickets can be downloaded and who they can be forwarded to and when.

For some, distrust is so great, even the seemingly innocent sight of Littler enjoying himself was enough to trigger irate social media posts, particularly as he was with a senior United staff member responsible for supporter engagement.

The thrust of their argument is United are strict when it comes to application of their own rules, except when it comes to high-profile fans who portray the club in a positive light. According to the rules, if Littler had asked a ‘normal’ fan for a ticket, they would have risked being banned by selling him one.

United, clearly, would dispute they have a two-tier system and most clubs find ways for special cases to get tickets for games.

But it emphasises a disconnect between fans and club that will not easily be resolved.