Sir Alex Ferguson says Old Trafford has been like a ghost town when he has watched games during the pandemic.
It is now over a year since Manchester United fans were able to see a game at Old Trafford, although Ferguson has been able to attend regularly courtesy of his role as a director at the club.
With Covid-19 restrictions currently scheduled to be removed on June 21, it looks likely that fans will be able to attend matches again soon.
Speaking to the Scottish FA over the prospect of fans returning in time for the Euros, Ferguson said it is noticeable at Old Trafford how much supporters are missed.
He said: "That's what the search for the last year has been, to get fans back in.
"I think that obeying the instructions of the lockdown and things like that have been important and we should always remember that but what fans are, really, are the history of their family.
"Your grandfather took your father to a game, your father took you to the games, and that coming back is a boost to young kids in particular, going to see their country or local team again.
"A year for a young kid is a long, long time, so getting them back creates a future for them and that's what every father and grandfather did in my time.
"Getting the fans back is a boost to the game because, as we know, it's not the same game.
"I go to watch United and it's a ghost town, there's no atmosphere whatsoever, and to get that back, that's what the players need and particularly the fans watching their team."
