Manchester United’s ticketing arrangements have led to an unexpected scenario for Ruben Amorim’s first home match in charge, with double the usual number of away supporters set to attend Old Trafford.
The Portuguese manager’s debut home fixture against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday night will see 6,000 away fans in attendance, significantly more than the standard allocation for visiting teams.
The decision to expand the away section was made two months ago, according to the Daily Mail, when Erik ten Hag was still at the helm and before Amorim’s appointment was yet to be confirmed.
The initial allocation of 3,800 tickets for Bodo/Glimt supporters sold out in just 15 minutes, with 12,000 fans queuing for tickets.
Man United news: Bodo/Glimit will have more than twice the usual amount of fans in attendance for Ruben Amorim’s first home match in charge of the Red Devils
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The high demand led to discussions with United, resulting in the significant expansion of the away section.
The decision comes amid previous security concerns, notably when approximately 2,000 Galatasaray supporters managed to obtain tickets in home sections during a Champions League match.
United’s substantial Norwegian following is expected to contribute to the atmosphere, with many season ticket holders from the country likely to bring friends to the match.
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Man United news: Ruben Amorim recently replaced Erik ten Hag, who was sacked after a nightmare start to the season
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Despite Amorim’s appointment being well-received by supporters, tickets remain available online for the fixture.
And the 39-year-old will be hoping to guide United to victory on Thursday night, with his first Premier League match ending in a 1-1 draw with Ipswich on Sunday.
Marcus Rashford put the Red Devils ahead after just two minutes, with the winger poking home after good work from Amad Diallo.
Man United news: Ruben Amorim will be targeting a first win of his Old Trafford tenure when his side goes up against Bodo/Glimit on Thursday night
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But Ipswich then earned a draw through Omari Hutchinson, with his deflected effort sailing past Andre Onana and into the net.
Addressing his side’s display after the contest at Portman Road, Amorim said: “They tried to do it, that’s the main point.
“We have a lot to improve, but they tried. This is the first point; the most important point.
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“They were thinking too much during the game, trying to cope with everything we said during training. But it was [just] two trainings.
“We could win this game, but also Onana did great saves. It’s always tough to play in this league and we will improve in the future.”
On the need to spend more time with his new players, the former Sporting Lisbon boss added: “That is the goal [to use the time on the training pitch].
“We have to use every minute to work with the team. Everybody has to play with this schedule and we will do that.
“Everybody is going to play… We have to, all together, try to find ways to win games, to win time and to improve the team.”