Nightmare looms at the Theatre of Dreams

Bob Acrey demands an explanation of my criticism of Wayne Rooney and Manchester United’s average attendance of more than 67,000 at Old Trafford fixtures (Letters, MW October 20).

These are the highest attendance figures of any club in the Premiership, with the average being a more modest 33,000. Bob’s beloved United have been able to maintain this level of attendance by offering one of the lowest gate prices in the Premiership.

I politely suggest that keeping such a competitive ticket price is not on Malcolm Glazer’s five-year plan and Manchester United will shortly face the same dilemmas as all top-flight clubs. The behaviour on and off the field of the game’s great ambassadors – Wayne Rooney included – will then be under scrutiny as never before.

Richard Thompson

Chairman

Merlin Elite

London SW1