To get involved you must leave your name with an optional message via the ThankYouSirAlex.us website. MUST want to give every Manchester United fan the chance to have their contribution included, and it is easy as long as you follow the simple instructions.

The book is doing very well with over 16,412 signatures and ticking at the time this article was published, two days after its launch. Get involved by sharing the link on your Twitter and Facebook accounts with the following message: “Sign the Manchester United Fans’ book of thanks to Sir Alex Ferguson #MUFC #ThankYouSirAlex thankyousiralex.us”

___

Follow SN on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

MUST also congratulates Sir Alex Ferguson and the team on winning the club’s 20th league title.

“This is a time to celebrate the title and not a time to analyse the strength of opposition to the owners, however I’m sure David knows full well that we directly represent tens of thousands of match going fans including 18k season ticket holders amongst 190,000 members. However, more to the point we’d argue that, having caused the club to lose more than £550m in interest, fees and other costs the number of people who believe that the Glazers’ takeover and ownership has been a good thing for Manchester United could be counted on a single pair of hands.  Actually – far from being a majority in favour can there be any single Manchester United fan anywhere on the planet who believes that was good for our club? Plenty of City and Liverpool fans love what the Glazers have done, of course, so I think that says it all.  However now is surely not a time to debate this and we are surprised David has chosen to speak out when he has done. We look forward to a more positive relationship with his successor after he departs his CEO role at the club this summer.

“On a more positive note we’d like to add our congratulations to Sir Alex Ferguson, the players and all MUFC staff on a tremendous achievement of a record 20th League Title coming at the end of a tremendous domestic campaign. The true measure of Champions is how they bounce back from disappointment, and after the events of May last year we could not have asked for more than to win back our trophy as quickly as was possible. Further good news for match-going fans came yesterday with the announcement that ticket prices will be frozen next season. While many fans will argue prices are still far too high and, perhaps, it was the least they could do given the huge growth in TV revenue, it is still something we welcome and we hope to see more progress in future, making supporting the club more affordable for its loyal fans.”

___

Follow Duncan Drasdo on Twitter.

Manchester United have their own department that looks after disabled fans which is called MUDSA or Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association. These people look after the needs, wellbeing and safety of less able fans before, during and after the games they attend. They also produce a magazine for disabled fans to keep up to date as well arranging outings to enable them to get a network of friends whom are like minded and on occasions they meet the players on arranged visits.

So you’re probably thinking “well I have a disability but I don’t know how to join MUDSA.” Well, that’s simple and here’s how you go about joining. Firstly you must be a member of Manchester United so that you can apply for tickets and so forth, once this is done you ring up MUDSA whereby they will register you as a disabled fan so your needs can be met.

MUDSA have worked tirelessly to ensure all fans feel included and safe when attending Old Trafford and overall I feel that they have achieved this. They cater for both wheelchair fans along with their helpers and there are a total of 120 spaces with the majority of these seats being in the east stand but there are a number in the north stand as well. They also supply a running commentary of the game via a headset for those who cannot watch the game due to sight issues. Finally they have installed some TV’s within the stands which allows fans that are partially sighted the chance to see the game within a distance that would be more appropriate to them. Finally they also have a section of ambient seating available for those with mobility issues that allows them access to the seating areas without any stairs to contend with, simply flat access. Old Trafford has managed to allow all fans the chance to come to the game which I think has been done with true compassion, you don’t feel as if you’re apart from the other fans very much, you feel included and there are some great views available.

Of course there is often a lot of people wanting these seats but MUDSA try to allow people the chance to get to games as best they can, they have recently switched over to a computer based system, the same as able bodied fans, which will work as well if not better than the old phone-in system.

Disabled supporters also have their own section of car parking in E2 which is the largest in the Premier League. The car parking spaces are large and enable people with ramps and so forth easy access to get the disabled fan in and out of the car, they are also wider than other spaces to allow the doors of the car to be fully opened.

Finally we look at the other part at Old Trafford because they don’t just offer a range of seating options for disabled fans, they also provide a safe environment.  Disabled fans enter the stadium via a separate entrance which is not a turnstile, instead a person with your names on a list checks you in. The entry point is a wide access door so those in wheelchair’s can enter easily and for those walking but in need of support from someone stood next to them to support can also enter easily. Upon entry you will find the ability suite which is a nice space for fans to sit down, get food and or drink via low counters and sit and chat with other fans in a warm environment. It is separated from the other fans so that disabled fans are not intimidated by the crowds but you can pass through if you wish to see friends whom are also attending the game, which is a nice touch. They also have 3 toilets which are large for wheelchairs and fully fitted out with all the necessary equipment such as grab rails so there is adequate support.

It should also be mentioned that Manchester United have worked tirelessly to enable their fans to attend away matches with other fans by working in co-operation with Eavesway to provide suitable coaches to allow wheelchair users to also participate in away days with other fans, I think the fact the fans travel together makes disabled fans feel so included.

Overall I think you will agree that Manchester United and MUDSA work tirelessly to provide a service to disabled supports and to ensure they feel part of the experience on match day while protecting and complying with safety regulations.  As a whole Manchester United should be congratulated for their hard work and ongoing support for MUDSA and the disabled fan base. Of course the co-founder of MUDSA should be mentioned and thanked for his ongoing work with MUDSA Phil Downs MBE as should all of the staff that work alongside him.

I recommend reading Andy Mitten’s piece on seeing the game through the eyes of disabled fans.