Manchester United issue statement after legend's furious wife complains about seat change at Old Trafford

Manchester United have been forced to issue a statement after the wife of former star Norman Whiteside was outraged by the seat change.

Whiteside remains the youngest goalscorer in Red Devils history, aged 17 years and eight days, and emerged from the club's youth ranks in 1982.

The Northern Ireland international made 278 appearances over seven years in Old Traffordscoring 67 goals.

His wife, Denise, recently attacked the club on social media platform X after her long-standing season ticket was moved.

She said: “So, no matter how long you've been a loyal supporter. No matter if you played for your club, @ManUtd can simply remove you from your seat whenever they want, so they can expand the executive seats! Absolute disgrace!”

“I would like to make it clear that this post is not just about Norman. There is a whole block of loyal supporters who expressed their views to me at the West Ham game, but feel they have no voice or platform to express their anger. “

Whiteside has been a platinum subscriber for 25 years and has worked as an ambassador for united man.

United have since issued a statement explaining that hospitality seats at the Stretford End are being removed and they will therefore be finding “alternative seating” for them.

It said: “We have the greatest respect for Norman as a club legend and understand the disappointment that the relocation of seats caused him and other season ticket holders.

“This is happening for a number of reasons including, next season, moving match day hospitality seating to consolidated blocks to address fan concerns about their dispersal around the stadium.

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“Other changes next season include the removal of hospitality seating from the Stretford End and the installation of more seating in the north-west quadrant, which will benefit many fans but will also cause some disruption.

“No additional hospitality seats will be created at the expense of season ticket holders – in fact, hospitality seats will be reduced by more than 500 next season. “We are committed to working with all season ticket holders affected by the relocations, including Norman, to find ways to give them the best possible alternative seats elsewhere on the ground.”

During his career, Whiteside broke Pelé's record as the youngest player to appear in a World Cup.

After leaving Old Trafford, he went on to sign for Everton for £600,000, but eventually retired due to knee problems aged 26.