Local Clubs Deserve Support When United Are Out of Town

Football is an incredibly expensive sport to follow these days, particularly for match-going fans. The cost of transport and tickets has risen, while food and drink inside stadiums like Old Trafford is widely regarded as being massively overpriced. As such, an increasing number of supporters are struggling to justify following Manchester United away, perhaps opting to stay local and watch a nearby club instead. 

There Are Plenty of Options in and Around Manchester 

Thankfully, for the people of Manchester, this part of England is filled with clubs to get behind when Erik Ten Hag’s troops are playing down in London or up in Newcastle. You can attend a non-league match and enjoy being closer to the action, you can meet the players in the bar after a League Two encounter, and you can bet on League One by backing the likes of Stockport County to win the league at 12/1 after watching The Hatters in the flesh. 

For football fans in this part of the country, the options are extensive. Of course, you can still follow Manchester United, fine-tune your fantasy football team, and assess any football odds before backing the likes of Marcus Rashford to score first, but taking in a local game at a lower level is a great thing to do alongside it. Not only will you have a game to watch, but lower-league football is cheaper, and it can be just as entertaining. 

Stockport County Have Started Well in League One 

As a town in Greater Manchester, Stockport County’s home ground is a viable option for Red Devils fans to experience. The newly-promoted League One side have momentum behind them after dismantling teams in League Two last season, with goals all over the pitch. 

A young side with an additional sprinkling of experience, the Hatters have investment behind them and a loyal set of supporters who create a great atmosphere every week. With cheaper ticket prices and an all-round welcoming vibe, the 2023–24 EFL League Two title winners deserve your support. 

Salford City Are Majority Owned by Gary Neville

When Gary Neville isn’t being a respected pundit on Sky, the legendary former Manchester United right-back is aiming to take Salford City up through the leagues. With other former players also being involved, such as Paul Scholes and David Beckham, Salford City have been adopted as a second team by many Red Devils. 

Currently playing in League Two, Salford are adapting to life after Peter Lim, the billionaire investor who had a 10-year tenure at the club. Now, with Neville overseeing things and new manager Karl Robinson having the summer to put his stamp on things, Salford could make the play-offs this season. 

Bury Football Club Is a Fan-Owned Story 

Similar in many respects to other fan-owned clubs like AFC Wimbledon, the supporters of Bury have come together to bring their club back to life after witnessing it being run into the ground by an unscrupulous owner. 

Fans are also voting shareholders, they elect board members to represent them, and they essentially own their club. It’s therefore a fantastic place to watch football, despite the non-league package on offer. In fact, for many fans who are disillusioned with Premier League football, clubs like Bury are the perfect antidote.