Manchester United has come under fire from its dedicated fanbase after announcing a sharp increase in match ticket prices for all members, raising the cost to a minimum of £66 ($83) for the remainder of the season. The change, which applies across all age groups, including children and seniors, has sparked outrage, with supporters calling the move “offensive” and a blatant disregard for loyal fans.
The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) expressed frustration over the policy, stating it reflects years of mismanagement and financial excesses by the club’s ownership. Fans are particularly dismayed by the removal of concession tickets, a policy that had previously provided affordability for younger supporters, seniors, and those with disabilities.
The timing of the announcement has further fueled discontent, coinciding with revelations in the club’s financial reports. Manchester United disclosed expenses of £10.4 million to terminate former manager Erik ten Hag and his staff and an additional £11 million to secure new head coach Ruben Amorim.
United fans, alongside Everton supporters, plan to protest the price hike before the upcoming Premier League fixture at Old Trafford. This demonstration will be part of a broader campaign organized by the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) to highlight rising ticket costs across the Premier League.
The fans’ group “The 1958” has joined the protest, emphasizing that almost every Premier League club has raised ticket prices this season. They argue that such increases, combined with the removal of concessions, unfairly target match-going supporters to generate quick revenue.
Protesters are also leveraging the ongoing discussions around Old Trafford’s redevelopment to pressure the club into keeping football affordable. Supporters have voiced concerns that dynamic pricing strategies—such as the flat £66 rate—exploit loyal fans.
The FSA campaign, titled “Stop Exploiting Loyalty,” will culminate in a gathering outside Old Trafford’s Trinity Statue, where fans aim to deliver a unified message against the club’s policies.
