Manchester United takes the price surge route

Manchester United revealed on Monday that they will increase season ticket prices by five percent for the 2025/26 season, despite opposition from supporters’ groups who had urged the club to freeze prices. The club’s decision to raise prices has sparked controversy, with fans voicing their discontent over the ongoing cost increases. However, the club has announced that under-16s tickets will remain unchanged, which will offer some relief to younger supporters. In addition, a new pricing structure has been introduced for non-season ticket holders, which includes a categorization system for matches. This will allow for higher prices to be charged for higher-profile fixtures, further differentiating the cost depending on the game.

United’s decision comes after months of protests at Old Trafford. Fans have expressed frustration following the controversial move made in November to scrap concessions for children and over-65s, with all tickets for the current season now priced at 66 pounds ($85). The fan protests have focused on the rising cost of attending matches, with many feeling that the club is becoming increasingly disconnected from its supporters. Despite this, Manchester United has proceeded with the price increase, prompting further debate about ticket pricing and accessibility for fans, especially in the context of a global financial landscape that continues to impact supporters’ ability to afford the cost of attending matches.

A fan advisory board (FAB), which recently met with Manchester United, had urged the club to freeze ticket prices. However, despite this appeal, the club has announced a five percent increase in season ticket prices for the third consecutive season, following a decade-long price freeze. United's CEO, Omar Berrada, expressed understanding of the fans' concerns, stating that the club has worked to create a "fair and reasonable" pricing structure while acknowledging the importance of fan support. The price hike comes amid financial difficulties for the club, with co-owner Jim Ratcliffe revealing last week that Manchester United would have run out of funds by the end of last year without cost-cutting measures, including the ticket price increases.

The club has faced substantial financial losses, with cumulative losses amounting to £410 million over the past seven years, mainly due to expensive transfer market mistakes and managerial hires. Currently sitting 13th in the Premier League, United's hopes of securing silverware this season rest on winning the Europa League. The decision to raise ticket prices, despite the ongoing financial struggles and fan protests, continues to spark debate on the club's financial management and its impact on supporters.

"For several months we have argued long and hard that the club need to look at the big picture and freeze ticket prices for next season," said the Manchester United Supporters' Trust.

"We listened carefully to the strong arguments put forward by the FAB in favour of a freeze. However, the club has decided that it would not be right to keep prices unchanged while costs rise and the club continues to face financial issues," stated Berrada.