United Beyond Manchester

Manchester United officials have raised the ticket price for members from £40 to £66 through the end of the season. The Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) worries that this is the first step to raising prices next season.

MUST already released a statement earlier this month urging Sir Jim Ratcliffe to look at alternative ways to raise money for the new stadium. A line in the previous communication stated: “Stadium improvements should not be funded by big-ticket increases on ordinary match-going reds.”

Now, tickets have been increased by £26 per ticket, leading many to worry about the future of matchday affordability at Old Trafford.

Representatives from the MUST wrote a statement saying: “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.

“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 [Old Trafford], will they really go back to the old pricing levels for next season?”

While a new stadium and adhering to Profitability and Sustainability Rules are essential, punishing fans for failure on the pitch is a critical mistake. Hopefully, the club will reassess this initiative after the season to protect the club’s loyal supporters.