Manchester United have risked seriously offending Sir Matt Busby's family by overlooking them for guest tickets for the Carling Cup final in favour of the club's sponsors. Busby's relatives have kept their counsel, anxious not to damage their relationship with the club, but people close to them have made it clear they are distinctly unimpressed and, at worst, downright angry.
The Old Trafford hierarchy have, in the past, invited Busby's son Sandy, daughter Sheena and other family members to cup finals as their guests. But it emerged last night that the privilege was removed for the game against Wigan Athletic in
The revelations will intensely embarrass United only 24 hours after it transpired that several players who had helped Sir Alex Ferguson's team reach the final had to pay £72 for their own ticket. A new edict by the Glazer family meant some fringe players, directors, scouts, coaches and senior staff losing what was previously seen as a perk. One of those players, Richie Jones, was involved in three matches leading to the final.
United are expecting a barrage of criticism from fans over the latest disclosures.