Manchester United have strongly denied any suggestions of VIP bias on matchdays following a speculative video that surfaced on social media.
Accusation
A video has popped up in which Noussair Mazraoui is being interviewed just before United’s Champions League opener against Sabah FK last week.
As Mazraoui speaks with the reporter, a number of his teammates can be seen in the background walking to the right of him.
In the video, the players shake hands with supporters who purchased VIP packages instead of those situated on the other side of the entrance.
“Three years ago I played against Man United”
Noussair Mazraoui on Manchester United’s return to the Champions League ✨
🎙️ @OliviaBuzaglo | 📺 Watch live on TNT Sports & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/snfO92uTaY
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 10, 2026
This sparked some debate online, with critics claiming that the United stars have been instructed not to sign autographs for non-VIP fans.
For months now, United’s hierarchy have faced growing backlash over their perceived preference for corporate VIP ticket holders, casting aside the loyal regulars who are synonymous with the club’s history and heritage.
On Sunday, before the Manchester Derby, thousands of fans held protests against the club’s ownership group, chanting songs against Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazers.
According to the Daily Mail, United are adamant that no such instructions have been issued to their players.
United respond
The news outlet reports, “United have strenuously denied suggestions that players have been told not to sign autographs for non-VIP supporters on matchdays.”
“It [the video] has led to claims that players have been specifically instructed by club officials to head for the VIP section, but the club have stressed to Confidential that that is wide of the mark.”
“They say that while hospitality guests have a special viewing area of team arrivals – which was in place last season too – there is no obligation for players to stop for anybody, let alone avoid a certain group of supporters.”
United are next in action on Wednesday when they face Brighton & Hove Albion in the third round of the EFL Cup.
Featured image by Charles McQuillan via Getty Images
