- Manchester United travel to Arsenal this Sunday in the third round of the FA Cup
- United had complained that the Gunners had not given them a full away allocation.
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Manchester United's ticket dispute with Arsenal has intensified, with the visitors now calling for the missing portion of their allocation for Sunday's FA Cup match to go to the NEUTRALS.
Mail Sport revealed that United had complained to the FA after their hosts failed to provide them with the 9,000 seats they were entitled to under competition rules.
Instead, the Gunners, citing security concerns, only offered less than 8,000, much to the frustration of Old Trafford officials.
It is understood that United subsequently offered to choose the recipients of the 1,000 seats in dispute, which are on an upper level of the 60,000-seat Emirates.
They also wanted to suggest to those responsible for security that they offer the tickets in question to selected families and children from the club's charity arm for the 3pm kick-off.
However, their efforts were thwarted and with days to go until the match and no movement from Arsenal, United contacted the FA with a unique plan.
Manchester United's ticket dispute with Arsenal has intensified ahead of FA Cup clash
Arsenal were unable to give United their full 9,000 away allocation for the match at the Emirates.
United have asked the FA to hand over the missing portion of their allocation to neutral fans
They have asked whether the tickets in question could be allocated to neutral players selected by the FA itself. United's suggestion is that the opportunity could be used to give those who are not usually able to attend matches, such as emergency services workers and those involved in FA grassroots projects, the chance to watch a match between two of the most important players in the country. clubs.
While United declined to comment, it is believed that if this final plea falls on deaf ears and the seats remain empty, they would expect Arsenal to cover the cost, with FA Cup gate receipts subject to a split between the clubs.
The club is determined to act on behalf of its fans and remains of the view that there is no reason not to deliver a full allocation.
Last season, Liverpool faced similar problems when they were chosen to face the Gunners. Initially, they were offered just 5,200 tickets, but eventually settled for 7,600 amid fears of a stay at the top tier.
Arsenal also declined to comment, although it is examining ways in which the community could benefit. Under FA rules, visiting clubs are entitled to 15 percent of the stadium's capacity. As it stands, United's allocation would amount to about 13 percent.
As the clock ticks, FA officials say they are aware of the situation and are working with both clubs to find a solution.
