Man Utd fans ‘disappointed’ by season ticket price increase

Man Utd fans ‘disappointed’ by season ticket price increase

Reuters

As Manchester United tries to become financially stable for the third time in a row, the club’s season ticket prices will go up by about 5%.

There has also been a price freeze for under-16s, according to the Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST).

However, according to MUST, United supporters “ignored” the club’s plea for a general price freeze.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos group have tried to improve the club’s finances since taking over as co-owner last year, but several of the changes have been unpopular, leading to fan protests, most recently at Arsenal’s home game.

The introduction of a game categorisation model for non-season ticket holders, where premium games cost more, is one of the most recent changes for the 2025-26 season.

Additionally, United are increasing the minimum usage requirement for season tickets for 15 to 16 of their 19 home Premier League games.

Omar Berrada, United’s CEO, claims the organization “worked hard to come up with a pricing package that is fair and reasonable” and that the new changes are being made “to offset continued increases in operating costs.”

However, the new categorisation model and “a source of major concern” are both stated by MUST and that “we fail to see any justification for the increase.”

The club has been arguing for several months that the season’s ticket prices should be frozen because of this.

It would have sent a powerful message to United that other clubs have already done it and that everyone should unite to rescue the club from the difficult position it is currently in.

We are aware that any price increase is unwelcome, especially when the pitch is performing poorly, and we took the time to consider the compelling arguments made by the FAB (Fan Advisory Board) in favor of a freeze.

The club has, however, decided that it would be inappropriate to leave prices unchanged as costs rise and the club deals with ongoing financial problems.

Under Ineos, cost-cutting initiatives continue.

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United have increased season ticket prices for the third time in a row after locking them in place for 11 years.

Following last month’s announcement of a second round of redundancies at the club, which saw a mid-season increase of some ticket prices to £66 without any concessions. Other cost-saving measures, including the elimination of staff free lunches.

Ratcliffe stated that the decisions must be made in order to reduce losses, which exceeded £113 million last year, and that he and other figures told the BBC Sport that “the club runs out of money at Christmas if we don’t do those things.”

The most recent season ticket changes increase by £2.50 per game on average.

Ratcliffe responded to the BBC, “Well, I don’t get involved in the pricing details.” That’s for the club’s management, not me, really.

“It should be fair and reasonably priced for the people in Manchester,” is one of my general tenets regarding ticket pricing.

While we must look after the under-16s and the older people, who do not have as much money, the club’s overall income is based on ticket sales.

What other adjustments will Man Utd make?

Manchester United fans protest against the club's ownersGetty Images

The introduction of a game categorisation model, the rise in season tickets, and the requirement for a minimum of three uses are just some of the most recent changes:

related subjects

  • Manchester United
  • Premier League
  • Football

Source: BBC

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