Skip to main content
The Morning Star 2026 Conference
How long can FC United hold on to their values?
KADEEM SIMMONDS looks at the potential problems the rebel club could face as it grows

The story of FC United of Manchester gets more intriguing every season. The better they do in the league, the more media coverage they get and the bigger the club gets.

The fans have no problem with this. Their problem is being told by the Football Association when to play games without consultation and though they can attempt to fight England’s governing body, I’m afraid it is a losing battle.

As we have seen in the past, the FA doesn’t care that away supporters may not be able to get home after games and will schedule a team to play at 5.30pm or 8pm on a weekday, hundreds of miles up the road.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Grimsby Town's goalkeeper Christy Pym (right) is congratulated by his teammates after they win the penalty shoot out during the Carabao Cup second round match at Hill Blundell Park, Grimsby, August 27, 2025
Men’s football / 29 August 2025
29 August 2025

As football grapples with overloaded calendars and commercial pressure, the Mariners’ triumph reminds us why the game’s soul lives far from the spotlight, writes JAMES NALTON

Auckland City's Gerard Garriga cools off under the sprinklers during a water break in the Club World Cup Group C soccer match between Auckland City and Boca Juniors in Nashville, Tenn., June 24, 2025
Men’s football / 18 July 2025
18 July 2025

With climate change, commercial overload and endless fixtures, footballers are being pushed to breaking point. It’s time their unions became a more powerful, unified force, writes JAMES NALTON

FC
Books / 10 July 2025
10 July 2025

STEVEN ANDREW welcomes a fine introduction to FC United of Manchester, the team set up in opposition to Manchester United

Gianni Infantino
Men’s football / 23 April 2025
23 April 2025

JAMES NALTON discusses the use of dynamic ticket pricing at the 2026 World Cup and how it amplifies a culture already set up to squeeze as much money from fans as possible