Last Sunday a mere 4509 fans turned up for the United versus Perth Glory clash - an important game given a win for either side could have propelled them to the top of the A-League ladder. 

United won and currently sit top of the league after 11 rounds. But its battery of star players are performing in front of empty stands at the Robina stadium.

"We are disappointed. We were hoping before the year's out of an average crowd of 7500-9000 or hopefully more. But the way it's started off is disappointing," Mensink told au.fourfourtwo.com.

Despite being the recipient of strong travelling support from other A-League clubs keen to take in football and the Gold Coast for a weekend trip away, this season's crowds began modestly and have dropped off from there. 

In the club's other home games so far this season, they've attracted in order: 7526, 6800, 5063, 4209 and 4509 last Sunday. Their season average is 5621.

The club has been active, it says, promoting the brand in schools, local clubs, sports dinners and a number of charity functions as well as working in with Football Queensland.

And United offer transport subsidies to go with match ticket sales. Although there is no parking at the stadium, there is a train stop a few minutes walk from the ground.

Yet despite this - and with a squad that's arguably the best in the A-League - local fans have largely snubbed the new franchise.

Mensink is at a loss to explain the public's disinterest in a side that's received plenty of positive publicity after the arrival of Jason Culina, Shane Smeltz and a battery of exciting Brazilians.

"We tried $5 tickets for children, that didn't seem to work too much, "said Mensink. "For both us and Roar, it's a pretty tough market at the moment. We've just got to find the right formula."

Mensink conceded that a different marketing direction is on the agenda going forward but the CEO can offer no new answers on what direction that is. 

"It's one of the things we've got to evaluate ourselves and find out why the people just don't want to come," he said. "Can't they be bothered? Is the game itself not a drawcard for them? Is parking at the stadium an issue?

"It's all these things we've got to take on board and clarify. Maybe we need to do our own little study to find out from a fan's or football loving perspective why they don't want to watch the Gold Coast?"

The CEO hit out at those who suggest that being owned by one of the wealthiest men in the country equals huge crowds.

He said the club is run like any other business and there is no endless pit of money for marketing and promotions from owner and billionaire Clive Palmer.

"I think some are taking Mr Palmer for granted," he said. "No-one around Australia would expect the richest man in the country to keep bailing it out. It's the wrong way to approach it. It's selfish for individuals to think that.

"This is a business and we'll run it as a business and decisions have to be made on a commercial merit. Resources are limited."

The worry is that the Gold Coast could make the A-League grand final in its first season - but not even fill Skilled Park for the A-League showpiece event.

Mensink stopped short of saying the club could fill the stadium on the biggest day of the season but was hopeful fans would understand the significance of such a day. 

He added: "Given that it would be an event, Skilled Park would be well supported for the first time a grand final would've been played in Queensland.

"And it would be enough to attract the sports lover across the board."