Manchester United supporters were left disappointed again, this time off the field as the club confirmed season ticket prices will rise by 5% for the next season, marking another year of annual increase. While the juniors avoid the hike, the news has sparked outrage among loyal fans who have questioned the move as unnecessary and brutal, accusing the club of prioritizing profits over loyalty during a period of on-field struggles while the fanbase still showing immense support.
The Price Breakdown
Most adult season tickets will see a £2.50 average increase per game, but the changes hit older fans hardest. Discounts for seniors aged 66+ have been slashed from 50% to 25%, a move branded “disgraceful” by supporters’ groups. The Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) slammed the decision, calling it a betrayal of lifelong fans who’ve supported the club through decades of highs and lows. The move was criticized harshly by the senior supporters, many of who have been coming to the games since the 1950s.
CEO Omar Berrada defended the increases, citing rising operational costs of the club and the need to keep the club financially afloat. “We have kept the increase to the lowest possible level… while ensuring the club remains financially strong enough to invest in improving the team..” He also pointed out that United’s tickets remain cheaper than a decade ago when adjusted for inflation. But fans aren’t buying it as they believe the club is cashing their loyalty in tough financial times.
Controversial Changes Beyond Pricing
The backlash isn’t just about the 5% hike. United plans to convert seats near the dugouts into premium hospitality areas, forcing longtime season ticket holders to relocate. A new £10 fee for late ticket resales (within 14 days of matches) and stricter attendance rules, fans must attend 16 of 19 league games or risk losing their seats, have added fuel to the fire.
The increases come weeks after co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe warned the club was teetering on financial collapse. “We’d have run out of cash by Christmas without cuts,” he admitted, referencing 450 staff layoffs and plans for a £2 billion stadium overhaul. While Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting has drawn praise from investors, fans argue they’re footing the bill for years of Glazer family mismanagement.
“The idea that fans should pay for the Glazers’ ownership and errors… is frankly offensive” demanded MUST in a fiery statement.
Mixed Reactions to “Concessions”
The freeze for under-16s has been the lone bright spot but it doesn’t make up for burdening the seniors. Meanwhile, the Fans’ Advisory Board (FAB), which pushed for a full freeze, expressed cautious relief. “We are relieved that the club was persuaded to limit the increases… and we are pleased they froze prices for our youngest fans.”
Anger is boiling over online, with #GlazersOut and #NotOurDebt trending among United fans. Protests are planned ahead of next month’s Manchester derby, with supporters’ groups vowing to “make our voices heard.”
Berrada insists the changes are “fair,” but trust is fraying. For many, the price rises symbolize a deeper disconnect between United’s hierarchy and its working-class roots. As banners prepare to unfurl at Old Trafford, one message rings clear as fans refuse to be silent cash cows.