Unhappy Man Utd fans' club plays first game

A football club formed by disenchanted Manchester United supporters following Malcolm Glazer’s takeover plays its first competitive game today.

As Manchester United take on Everton FC in the first match of the Barclaycard Premiership, FC United will play Leek CSOB in Division Two of the Moore and Co Construction Solicitors League.

FC United was set up by a group of disillusioned Manchester United supporters who were unhappy with US businessman Malcolm Glazer’s £790m (€1.1bn) buyout.

About 3000 fans are expected at the Staffordshire club’s Harrison Park ground, whose record crowd last season was just over 1,000.

The club normally prints about 50 programmes for its home games but for today’s match it has extended its print run to 2,000.

FC United manager Karl Marginson said: “I have brought in players who can play at a higher level and in front of good crowds.

“Hopefully we will get a good level of support home and away. I could see in our pre-season games the fans seemed to enjoy their day out.

“They would go down the pub before the game then stand with their mates on the terraces. What I noticed was the way the supporters sing for 90 minutes. It was brilliant.”