Manchester United will raise season ticket prices by 5 per cent next season and turn prime areas of Old Trafford into hospitality areas while fining fans for putting seats up for re-sale within 10 days of games
Manchester United have confirmed that the price of season tickets will rise by about 5 per cent next season “to offset continued rises in operating costs” at Old Trafford, although under-16s will be exempt from the increased costs.
And United chiefs have decided to make a number of other changes to purchasing tickets – including £10 fines for season-ticket holders who list their seats for resale within 10 days of a fixture.
Fans must also use their seats by a minimum of 16 from 19 league fixtures or risk losing their spots for next season, while single-match tickets will be categorised with more expensive prices for A-list visitors.
United also said they will move a number of current season ticket holders near the benches to alternative seats because they plan to convert those areas into hospitality sections.
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Chief executive Omar Berrada has argued that the prices still remain lower than 10 years ago when adjusted for inflation. But the decision is likely to cause further disappointment among supporters who are continuing to raise concerns around the club’s ownership.
Berrada said: “We appreciate the loyal and patient support of our fans, and particularly our Season-Ticket holders who represent the core of our match-going support base. We understand the importance of their backing for the team and have worked hard to come up with a pricing package that is fair and reasonable.
“After 11 consecutive years of price freezes, we increased prices by five per cent for the past two seasons and intend to do the same for next season to offset continued rises in operating costs.
“Prices remain significantly lower than a decade ago when adjusted for inflation, and at similar levels to peer clubs in the north-west of England.
“We understand that any price rise is unwelcome, especially during a period of underperformance on the pitch, and we listened carefully to the strong arguments put forward by the FAB in favour of a freeze.
“However, the club has decided that it would not be right to keep prices unchanged while costs rise and the club continues to face financial issues.
“We have kept the increase to the lowest possible level and protected our youngest season-ticket holders from any rises, while ensuring the club remains financially strong enough to invest in improving the team.
“Our overall strategy is to price tickets at levels that keep every seat filled for every game, maximising support for the team, and providing a variety of options for different fans, including concessions for our young and elderly supporters.”
In a statement the club’s supporters trust said: “‘For several months we have argued long and hard that the club needs to look at the big picture and freeze ticket prices for next season.
“Other clubs have done that already and at United it would have sent a powerful message about the need for everyone to pull together to get the club out of the very difficult position it finds itself in
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