SUPPORTERS’ CLUB code of conduct
2024/25
The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to be transparent about how groups of supporters can be recognised by the Club as official Manchester United Supporters’ Clubs (“MUSCs”), how the Club and MUSCs will work together and our expectations for MUSCs. The Code of Conduct must be read and adhered to by all MUSCs in order to access the benefits of official status and to remain as MUSCs.
The Code of Conduct works in conjunction with all relevant terms and conditions of the Club. To read these in more detail, please visit manutd.com/terms.
Becoming an official musc
We are always delighted to welcome new Supporters’ Clubs into our global family. Please refer to the MUSC Guidebook for a full explanation of the criteria for official status and how to apply. The Club does not guarantee that any application for a group to become an MUSC will be successful but we will work with any groups wishing to become an MUSC to provide support where necessary.
MUSCs will retain their official status providing the requirements set out in this Code of Conduct continue to be met.
What we ask of yoU
Number of Official Members:
MUSCs must have at least 10 members who are also United Members or Season Ticket Holders.
Official Membership Promotion:
MUSCs shall promote the Club’s Official Membership scheme within their group. This is to ensure that the Club has a record of all members of the MUSC and can communicate with them directly, subject to their privacy preferences.
Point
of Contact:
MUSCs must have two points of contact who will liaise with the Club. The nominated points of contact must also be United Members or Season Ticket Holders. One person will be the main point of contact and other person shall act as their deputy. If an MUSC does not have a point of contact at any time then the Club may contact any United Member or SeasonTicket Holder who it believes is also a member of the MUSC.
Not for Profit:
MUSCs should not be operated to make a profit (either for the group or individuals in the group). MUSCs may have a small amount of surplus funds at the end of each season and if this is the case the MUSC should agree how the surplus is used with its membership.
Behaviour & Social Media:
MUSCs must adhere to the Club’s Social Media Code of Conduct in addition to the below expectations:
● All communications, whether via the MUSCs social media channels, during meetings or otherwise, should be kept to Club related topics;
● Whilst the Club respects the right for all fans and MUSCs to have their own political views, the Club as an organisation is apolitical. MUSCs must not, therefore, use their social media channels or meetings to disseminate political views;
● MUSCs must seek to support and promote the Club. The MUSC must not publish (on social media or otherwise) any derogatory or disparaging comments related to, or in connection with, the Club, its supporters or other MUSCs;
● MUSCs must recognise the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion in line with the Club’s #allredallequal campaign. MUSCs must not engage in any discriminatory or offensive behaviour;
musc benefits
More detail is provided in the MUSC Guidebook.
Use of Manchester United Intellectual Property
Manchester United is the owner of a range of trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property (“IP”) associated with the club. This includes, amongst other things, the club’s name (and abbreviations such as “Man Utd”, “Man United”, “MUFC” etc.), the club crest, the ‘red devil’ logo and the official MUSC logo, and copyright in all text and video appearing on the club website and associated club channels.
Official MUSCs are permitted to use the official MUSC logo and the club crest to indicate to supporters that they hold official MUSC status (for example, by displaying the logo on the MUSC’s website) and we encourage you to do so. However, this usage must be in line with the following principles:
The usage must be for non-commercial purposes. So, for example, MUSCs must not create merchandise for sale using the club’s IP or post links to counterfeit product.
The usage must be in a manner compatible with the club’s values. For example, the club’s IP must not be used in a manner which is abusive, threatening or discriminatory towards any person or group of people
The usage must not create any misleading or confusing impression to our supporters.
Club IP must not be used to promote, advertise or otherwise create a connection with third parties. In the event that the above principles are not adhered to, the club reserves the right to withdraw the permission above. If in doubt, please contact the club in advance. Any other use of Manchester United IP is not permitted unless you have first obtained the club’s prior written approval.
It is a criminal offence to make or sell counterfeit product and we have a zero tolerance policy to the sale of counterfeit Manchester United product. If you have any information regarding counterfeit Manchester United product being sold, please contact the Manchester United brand protection team (brandprotection@manutd.co.uk). All communication will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Use of tickets
All Manchester United match tickets (whether season tickets or tickets for individual matches) remain subject to the Club’s terms and conditions that can be found at manutd.com/terms.
Manchester United match tickets (whether season tickets or tickets for individual matches) must be bought separately to other products or services such as travel and accommodation, and MUSC members’ access to match tickets cannot be made conditional on members purchasing other products/services (whether from the MUSC or any third party).
The Club also has a dedicated allocation of tickets for Official Members affiliated with MUSCs. To gain access to a dedicated allocation of match tickets, MUSCs must have at least 50 members who are also United Members at the time of application. The Club will issue communications at the beginning of each season regarding on how MUSCs can access these tickets. Official Members accessing tickets through this MUSC allocation must be registered in the same country as their MUSC.
When utilising the Club’s tickets, season tickets and/or membership products the person using the products shall be subject to all terms and conditions that apply to the products (this includes the Club sanctions policy).
Season tickets
Season tickets purchased by an MUSC (and which are not in the name of an individual) must only be used by that MUSC’s Official Members, and official online ticket forwarding must be used.
It is expected that all Season Tickets held by an MUSC (and which are not in the name of an individual) are used for every match. To help with this the club has introduced ticket forwarding, the opportunity to return tickets for a refund, or donate the value to the MU Foundation. Tickets should be listed as early as possible, for the best chance of receiving a refund. The attendance policy outlined in the Season Ticket terms and conditions also apply to MUSCs.
MUSC Ticket Allocation Policy 2024/25
MUSCs benefit from a home ticket allocation of 1,000 for all Premier League home games. The below outlines how MUSCs access this allocation and the agreed process for domestic and European cup games.
Supporters’ Clubs must have at least 50 affiliated United Members to apply for tickets. The below applies for qualifying Supporters’ Clubs:
● Supporters’ Clubs which apply for tickets are guaranteed at least two.
● Supporters’ Clubs can apply for as many tickets as they like and will receive their full request so long as the total number of applications across all MUSCs does not exceed 950.
● If Supporters’ Clubs collectively apply for more than 950 tickets for a given game, we will give each MUSC the same percentage of the 950 tickets as the percentage of affiliated Official Members they represent for that game, capped at 40.
● A ‘Special Pot’ of up to 50 tickets will be allocated at the Club’s discretion for special occasions (first visits, anniversaries, one off visits from overseas MUSCS etc). Remaining tickets from this allocation will be divided equally among one-off ‘big trip’ requests. Requests must be submitted before the ticket application deadlines to be eligible.
● Supporters’ Club-affiliated United Members will be able to purchase tickets online outside of the MUSC allocation, excluding MUSC / Forwarding Membership.
● The Club will attempt to sell left over tickets from unconfirmed reservations to MUSCs for 24 hours via a form on The Tunnel. These will be distributed at the Club’s discretion, and we will first attempt to ensure that all MUSCs which apply get an equal number of tickets (and no more than initially requested). After this 24-hour period, any remaining tickets will become available for any Official Member to buy.
This policy will apply to all Premier League home games. For domestic cup and European games, we will confirm at the time of the draw whether there is an MUSC allocation. We will apply the usual percentage calculation if the allocation exceeds 300. If the MUSC allocation is less, we will first attempt to ensure that all MUSCs which apply get an equal number of tickets (and no more than initially requested). Any leftover tickets will then be added to the Special Pot and distributed at the Club’s discretion.
AWAY GESTURES
Supporters’ Clubs with 150+ United Members and/or Season Ticket Holders will be eligible to apply for two away tickets for domestic away games (excluding cup finals/semi-finals), so long as the allocation exceeds 2,500.
PROCESS
Eligible Lead Contacts must complete this form with the names and Supporter IDs of up to four qualifying Season Ticket Holders in their Supporters’ Club who can use away tickets through this allocation. Lead Contacts cannot change who is entitled to these tickets once the form is submitted. The tickets will be reserved in the Secretaries name and must be confirmed by the away game application date. If you wish to change which of the four eligible Season Ticket Holders is using the gesture for a particular game, please email musc@manutd.co.uk.
Where possible, these tickets will be available for collection at the away ground, ID is required.
MUSCs can become eligible at any point of the season once they reach the criteria. Should there be an increase in qualifying Supporters’ Clubs such that we are at risk of running out of tickets as art of this Gesture, we will close the form for newly qualifying MUSCs. We do not anticipate this in 2024/25.
Failure to meet these guidelines will result in the removal of this gesture.
Future Guidance
We receive a fixed number of tickets each season for the Away Gesture and subsequently devise the fairest way of allocating them. We will review and communicate the criteria & process ahead of each season.
We cannot guarantee that the criteria & process will stay the same beyond 2024/25 – we have a fixed number of tickets, but as more MUSCs qualify under the existing criteria, we will have to review our approach to ensure we do not run out of tickets.
We plan to discuss the Away Gesture for future seasons beyond 2024/25 at the Away Games Fans’ Forum sub-group.
Important Information
This Code of Conduct applies to all MUSCs around the world.
The Club can with draw MUSC club status from any organisation on notice in writing:
● At any time (at the Club’s sole discretion); and/or should the MUSC fail to comply with this Code of Conduct or associated terms and conditions.
An MUSC’s inclusion in the Club’s Yearbook does not mean that such organisations’ MUSC status will be maintained throughout the relevant football season.
Notwithstanding the Club’s right to withdraw MUSC status as stated above, the Club reserves its right to take legal action against any MUSC that:
● Fails to comply the terms of the Club Crest Licence; and/or uses any trademarks, images, designs or other intellectual property which are either owned by or which relate to the Club without the Club’s express prior written approval.
The Club may vary the terms set out in this Code of Conduct at any time. Any variations will be published to the Club’s website (manutd.com/en/fans/supporters-clubs) and shall be effective from the date of publication.
If any Official Member or season ticket holder does not comply with this Code of Conduct, or otherwise breaches relevant terms and conditions, the Club reserves the right to issue sanctions in-line with the Club’s Official Sanctions Policy.
Key Contacts:
If you’re interested in starting a new supporters’ club, or for general enquiries: musc@manutd.co.uk
Director of Fan Engagement rick.mcgagh@manutd.co.uk
Supporter & Disabled Supporter Liaison Manager: michael.leneghan@manutd.co.uk