Saints fans are being offered reduced ticket prices and free travel for the Friday night away game at Manchester United thanks to the club’s new sponsors Virgin media.

There has been much grumbling amongst supporters understandably frustrated to see the trip to Old Trafford changed to a Friday night at 8pm for live television broadcast in what is Jose Mourinho’s first home league game in charge of United.

However, Virgin Media have stepped in to try and ease the burden.

The company, who are based in Hampshire, have allocated money to put towards fan initiatives, and have confirmed that this this will be the first one.

It will mean that tickets for the game against United on Friday, August 19, will cost Saints fans just £20 for adults, with some concessions going down to as little as £10.

Virgin Media have also agreed to fork out for free coach travel for travelling season ticket holders so they can get to the game and back home without worrying about the cost or having to deal themselves with the inevitable Friday traffic on the journey.

Saints' chief executive officer, Gareth Rogers, said: “Our supporters are the foundation of this great club, and Virgin Media’s desire to put our fans at the heart of what they do was a key factor in the decision to partner with them.

“We are delighted that Virgin Media has made such a generous offer to help as many fans as possible attend what is sure to be a fantastic match.”

Kerris Bright, chief marketing officer at Virgin Media, added: “Our partnership with Southampton Football Club will always be about more than the shirt.

"We believe fans should be at the heart of football and we think that Saints fans deserve a helping hand both on travel and ticket costs to support the team on the first away game of the season.”

Daily Echo: