“Been told…” Manchester United fans were left in shock after half-time tannoy announcement at Old Trafford

While many have been focused on the heroics of Amad against Southampton, a half-time announcement from Manchester United has left Old Trafford fans in shock.

Amad was Manchester United’s hero on Thursday evening, scoring an incredible 12-minute hat-trick to seal a thrilling 3-1 victory over Southampton in the Premier League.

United started brightly, controlling possession, but Southampton carried the greater attacking threat. André Onana made a string of superb saves to keep the visitors at bay, while Alejandro Garnacho came close to breaking the deadlock after 20 minutes.

However, it was Southampton who struck first, taking advantage of United’s ongoing struggles defending set-pieces to score from a corner just before half-time. It marked the fourth successive home match in which United had conceded the opening goal.

In the second half, Rúben Amorim made changes, bringing on Antony for Kobbie Mainoo and pushing Bruno Fernandes into a deeper role. Despite this, United’s frustrations in front of goal continued, highlighted by Antony’s shocking miss from close range after an hour.

Just as hope seemed to be slipping away, Amad produced a moment of magic, smashing the ball past Aaron Ramsdale to equalise with less than ten minutes left. Moments later, Christian Eriksen threaded a perfect pass through to Amad, who calmly slotted home to complete the comeback.

In stoppage time, Amad sealed the victory in style, shrugging off Southampton’s defenders to score his third and complete his hat-trick. It was a historic moment, making him the first United player to net a hat-trick since Cristiano Ronaldo in April 2022, and secured a vital three points for Amorim’s side.

United’s shocking half-time announcement

While many fans were shocked at the display that some United players put on during the fixture, a subsection of United fans were completely taken aback by an announcement that the ground made at half-time.

The Stretford End is well known for being United’s loudest and best section of the ground, with many season ticket holders and loyal fans chanting the club’s famous songs throughout the 90 minutes.

What often happens, especially when said fans are willing their team to improve, is that fans will stand up to further propel the noise they are making, which is technically against the rules of the ground.

However, clubs traditionally do not throw punishment at those who are standing as it’s all often in the heat of the moment in a game, an instant reflex to watching United’s players attack.

But, for the first time for many, stewards at the club actively spread themselves throughout the Stretford End to tell everyone to sit down, much to the shock of those in attendance.

Further, fans described that United even announced over the tannoys at half-time for fans to sit and remain seated for the duration of the fixture, which is the first time many had ever heard such an announcement be made.

Luke, the fan who initially alerted social media to United’s activity, stated further that fans were informed their season tickets would be revoked if they did not comply with the stewards and sit down.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS delegation have created a frosty relationship with the club’s fans since their arrival, having raised prices of tickets to £66 a person regardless of age, when previously concessions had been made for children and those over the age of 65.

Amid financial turmoil at United, many feel that Ratcliffe’s policies are freezing loyal fans out of the game. These fans are the lifeblood of what makes United fans so special, and many are hoping that changes will be made to rectify the animosity many feel toward the club.

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