The much-anticipated 2022-23 Premier League season may have only just got underway earlier this month, but some fanbases up and down the country are already writing off their seasons after disastrous starts to the new campaign — especially supporters of Manchester United.
Optimism was high at Old Trafford as the Erik ten Hag era began with some positive results in pre-season, most notably a 4-0 victory over the Red Devils’ old foes Liverpool. But things quickly turned sour on the opening weekend of the season, as the Dutchman’s home debut was spoiled by a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Graham Potter’s Brighton & Hove Albion — who enjoyed their first win at the Theatre of Dreams.
Things went from bad to worse for Manchester United in gameweek two, as they were humiliated in west London by Brentford. Thomas Frank’s Bees ran riot at the Brentford Community Stadium, taking a 4-0 lead over the Red Devils inside the first 35 minutes and holding on to their four-goal advantage for an historic victory over Ten Hag’s side.
It is certainly a bleak time for Manchester United, and their supporters already appear to have seen enough from their beloved side after the opening 180 minutes of this new season — with a fan survey from 888Sport discovering that 57% of the Old Trafford faithful would give up their season ticket to see England win the World Cup in Qatar this winter.
In unusual circumstances, football’s biggest festival will take place throughout November and December due to the extreme climate in the Middle East over the northern hemisphere’s summer months — drawing a halt to the domestic season as we know it for four weeks — and England are amongst the favourites to lift the famous trophy in Qatar.
It isn’t just Manchester United fans who are desperate to see the 56 years of hurt come to an end though. In fact, six in 10 football fans (64%) would be willing to give up their respective season tickets in a bid to see Gareth Southgate and co. get their hands on the World Cup trophy at the Lusail Stadium in Doha on December 18th.
Supporters of London clubs have been proven to be the least loyal, with three quarters of fans in the capital willing to give up the season tickets at the likes of the Emirates, Stamford Bridge and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to see England win their first World Cup since their maiden success in 1966.
Even two thirds of Newcastle United fans are up for vacating their seats at St. James’ Park despite the optimism in the northeast following their Saudi-backed takeover last October. On the south coast, however, Bournemouth fans have shown the most dedication — with half their fanbase not willing to give up their season tickets at the Vitality Stadium.
Finally, those aged between 25 and 34 are the most willing to give up their season tickets — with almost three quarters of fans in that bracket desperate to see England finally lift some silverware on the international stage after coming oh-so close in recent tournaments.
