Manchester United Fans Frustrated Over Ticket Price Increases
Supporters of Manchester United have expressed their frustration over staggering increases in ticket prices, branding the move a “kick in the teeth” for loyal fans. On the same day the Premier League unveiled the upcoming fixture list, the club announced a new ticketing categorization system that will significantly raise costs for some matches.
New Ticketing Model and Its Impact
Under the new model, which the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) claims can hike expenses by over 50%, tickets for popular games will see a notable price jump. A spokesperson from MUST conveyed disappointment, noting:
“After last season’s challenges, we hoped the club would rethink their ticketing strategy, which will impose significant price hikes on roughly 20,000 supporters who purchase tickets for individual matches. This is truly disheartening for fans of Manchester United.”
MUST had previously urged the organization to keep ticket prices for most games at current levels, suggesting that the higher pricing category should apply only to a select number of high-demand fixtures, with lower prices for less popular matches. However, the club has faced scrutiny for allegedly failing to involve supporters in discussions about these changes.
Concerns Over Fan Consultation
While Manchester United contends that they engaged with the Fan Advisory Board (FAB) and moderated ticket prices based on those discussions, supporters claim that the club’s consultation efforts have not been genuine or constructive. A MUST representative stated:
“They have once again neglected to seek input from fans’ representatives regarding the specifics of this decision, acting contrary to the supporters’ interests and, ultimately, the club’s welfare. The club has professed its commitment to fan involvement, but the reality falls short of those ideals.”
The broader concern voiced by supporters reflects the need for unity between the fans and the club, especially in light of the previous season’s disappointments. Increased ticket prices, critics warn, risk alienating regular attendees in favor of casual visitors, potentially disenfranchising younger fans who represent the future of the club.
Overview of the New Ticketing System
As for the new ticketing system, Premier League games will now be divided into three price categories: A, B, and C. Matches featuring rivals such as Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Newcastle will be designated as Category A games, with tickets ranging between £59 ($79.4) and £97. The upcoming season will kick off with Arsenal visiting Old Trafford during the inaugural weekend.
