A picture of Norman Whiteside celebrating Manchester United's 1985 FA Cup win with Kevin Moran
-Credit:Getty
Manchester United legend Norman Whiteside has decided not to renew his season ticket at the club following a 'forced relocation', according to his wife.
Whiteside, who famously made his debut for United at just 16-years-old and broke Pele's record as the youngest player to feature in a World Cup with Northern Ireland in 1982, has been a long-time supporter of the club. The Belfast-born star made 278 appearances for United, helping them secure FA Cup victories in 1983 and 1985, scoring in both finals.
After two additional years at Everton, Whiteside's career was tragically cut short due to a severe knee injury, forcing him to retire at only 26.
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Last year, Whiteside's wife Denise, affectionately known as Dee, expressed her frustration with the club after they were moved from their regular seats at Old Trafford. The couple had been comfortably situated near the directors' box in the Sir Bobby Charlton stand for many years.
In response, Manchester United stated that the club was consolidating matchday hospitality seats into blocks to address fan concerns about them being scattered around the stadium.
Dee Whiteside has now confirmed via social media that she and Norman will be relinquishing their season tickets at Old Trafford after more than 28 years.
"So, I've waited for a while to write this. It is with unbelievable sadness, that after more than 28 years of having season tickets at Old Trafford, Norman Whiteside and I are not renewing next year, " she posted on 'X'.
"Having been forcibly relocated last season, "red carded" for not attending enough games, unable to give my "paid for" seat to my children...enough is enough. '.
"And to cap it all, we've seen it all, we've won the lot, we're Man United and we're never gonna stop... except for so many seasons now, my match going loyalty to my club has ended so sadly.
"I'll still be at games, I'm MUFC until I die, and I've seen worse times than now, but I'm not sure I've seen players less interested in pulling on our shirt for very many years. Times must change."
Their disillusionment comes shortly after demonstrations against co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe concerning plans to displace a segment of the club's season ticket holders.
The scheme involves relocating approximately 500 Manchester United season ticket holders from prime spots near the dugout.
The reasoning being that these seats will be occupied by premium hospitality fans, which, according to the club, justifies the move due to 'the high value of this unique location'.
So, I’ve waited for a while to write this.
It is with unbelievable sadness, that after more than 28 years of having season tickets at Old Trafford, @NormanWhiteside and I are not renewing next year.
Having been forcibly relocated last season, “red carded” for not attending
— Mrs W Official (@WhitesideDee) May 21, 2025
What has further aggravated fans is Ratcliffe's resolution to hike season tickets by £66.
Anger mounts as these price surges coincide with Manchester United enduring a lacklustre performance domestically, with Ruben Amorim's squad languishing at 16th place as they approach their ultimate match of the season.
Adding insult to injury, Manchester United were dealt a further blow on Wednesday when they faced a 1-0 loss against Tottenham in the Europa League final, dashing any residual hopes for Champions League qualification.