March 19 – Another day, and another pound getting squeezed out of Manchester United supporters as the club have announced that season ticket prices will be increasing next season.
The price of these tickets will rise by roughly 5% for an average increase of £2.50 ($3.25) per ticket per game. To quell a complete rebellion, minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has said there will be a price freeze for season ticket holders under the age of 16.
This is the third season in a row that ticket prices have increased, after 5% increases in the two previous campaigns.
Back in November, to much outrage, United announced a mid-season price hike that removed concessions for children and over-65’s, with all remaining home tickets costing £66, whatever the age of the supporter. The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) labelled the increases as “offensive”.
The club has met with their Fans’ Advisory Board (FAB) and fans forum, and not surprisingly the FAB is advocating for a price freeze given the current global economic situation saying: “While we did not get the freeze we argued for, we are relieved that the club was persuaded to limit the increases to the same percentage rise as recent seasons, and we are pleased they froze prices for our youngest fans.
“We also shared our concerns over policy changes and advised against any immediate changes without consultation including those to minimum usage, match categorisation, concessions and relocations. However, we welcome the club’s renewed commitment not to make any such future changes without consultation with fans including through MUST, FAB and the Fans’ Forum.
“We acknowledge that the senior leadership of the club, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Omar Berrada, made themselves available throughout the process and the club were well informed of fans’ feelings when making their decisions.”
These latest measures have been driven by INEOS, Ratcliffe’s company in an effort to stem the financial bleeding. United is haemorrhaging money with the latest second-quarter results revealing a £26.3 million loss for the 2024-25 season to date.
With the recently announced £2 billion stadium build in the not-too-distant future, ticket prices at the Theatre of Dreams will only be heading in one direction.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1742438184labto1742438184ofdlr1742438184owedi1742438184sni@o1742438184fni1742438184