It has not gone down well with fans
Manchester United have announced the increase of the minimum ticket price for all age groups and it has infuriated fans.
Members of all ages including children will have to pay the increased fare for tickets and the club has also removed concession prices.
Prices previously started at £40 for adults and £25 for children, and fans fear this change marks the start of a long-term price hike.
Sources close to the club claim that 95 per cent of tickets have already been sold for the rest of the season meaning it would only impact a small section of fans, however, any seats put up for resale by season ticket holders will also be subjected to the £66 price.
United currently have debts totalling £714 million and since the arrival of INEOS, they have introduced a number of measures designed to cut costs and increase revenue.
Manchester United Supporters Trust said: “The club has provided zero consultation on the matter, neither with the forum nor the Fan Advisory Board nor MUST. We were simply informed of the decision that there will be price rises affecting certain fans that are ‘urgently needed’ to address profitability and sustainability concerns.
“Suffice it to say, that the idea that the fans must pay their “fair share” for the club’s excesses and/or mismanagement – and above all, the Glazers’ lack of investment over two decades – is offensive.
“We have gone to matches and abided by the new usage rules for tickets. We have taken on a price increase this year. This is in addition to the hundreds, even thousands loyal fans pay to follow United home and away.
“There is a risk that this is only the opening salvo of what will surely be massive pressure to implement a significant price rise for next season.
“Once they have got used to charging £132 for a parent and child to come to OT, will they really go back to the old pricing levels for next season?”
Manchester United increase ticket prices for remainder of the season to a MINIMUM of
— Kieran Maguire (@KieranMaguire) November 27, 2024
Adults £66
Children £66
Seniors £66#ThePeoplesGame#MUFC
When I first went to Old Trafford in 1980 it cost £1.50 in the Stretford End.
Per @dipsMUFC
The supporters trust which is the largest in the country with over 200,000 members added it was seeking ‘urgent discussions’ with the club.
Meanwhile, another supporters’ group called The 1958 said it will lead a protest alongside Everton fans before their teams clash on Sunday at Old Trafford by displaying a banner as part of the ‘#StopExploitingLoyalty’ campaign.
Ineos cut around 250 jobs at the club over the summer, cut down on benefits for staff, and cancelled the club’s Christmas party.
Furthermore, club legend Sir Alex Ferguson was also removed from his global ambassadorial role in a bid to save £2.16m.