Manchester United fans revive trophy drought ticker at Old Trafford

Ahead of the Manchester United versus Tottenham match on October 10, 2026, supporters at Old Trafford have reinstated a prominent banner known as the 'ticker' at the Stretford End. This device tracks the number of years that cross-town rivals Manchester City have gone without winning a major trophy.

The display, which was originally removed in 2011 after Manchester City won the FA Cup, previously concluded at 35 years. The new ticker now reads 50 or 51 years, reflecting the belief among United supporters that Manchester City’s titles earned between 2009 and 2018 should be stripped. This sentiment follows ongoing allegations and investigations regarding financial irregularities and illicit funding by the club's ownership during that period.

While Manchester City faces severe potential sanctions, including the stripping of past honors, there has been no formal decision by football authorities to remove those titles. The return of the banner serves as a public statement by United fans regarding the uncertainty surrounding the legitimacy of City's recent historical achievements.