Manchester United fans will have to dig deeper into their pockets as the club has announced a 5% increase in season ticket prices for the third consecutive year.

This move is part of the club’s strategy to become financially stable, but it has not been well received by supporters.

While the Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) acknowledges that the increase is lower than expected, they argue that the club has ignored calls for a price freeze. Many fans are disappointed and feel that, given United’s struggles on the pitch, ticket prices should have remained unchanged.

Why Are Ticket Prices Going Up?

Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos Group became co-owners of Manchester United last year, they have been working to improve the club’s financial situation. Rising operating costs have been cited as the main reason for the price increase.

United’s chief executive, Omar Berrada, stated that the club had tried to come up with a pricing model that is fair and reasonable. He admitted that while a price rise is not ideal, it is necessary to offset growing expenses and ensure the club can continue to invest in improving the squad.

Fan Reactions and Protests

The ticket price hike has not gone down well with many supporters. Some fans have staged protests, particularly during last week’s match against Arsenal.

The MUST group has been vocal about their disagreement with the decision. They pointed out that other clubs have frozen ticket prices and believe United should have done the same.

A statement from MUST read:

“For several months, we have argued that the club needs to look at the bigger picture and freeze ticket prices. Other clubs have done this already, and at United, it would have sent a powerful message about the need for everyone to pull together to help the club recover from its current struggles.”

New Ticketing System for Non-Season Ticket Holders

Apart from the price increase, United is also introducing a new game categorisation model for fans who do not have season tickets. This means that premium matches—such as those against rivals like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal—will cost more than other games.

This change has raised concerns among fans, as it could make it more expensive for casual supporters to watch key games at Old Trafford.

Changes for Season Ticket Holders

For season ticket holders, the club is increasing the minimum usage requirement from 15 to 16 home games per season. This rule is meant to ensure that seats are not left empty, but some fans see it as another restriction.

Club’s Justification

Omar Berrada acknowledged that the decision was not popular, especially given the team’s recent struggles on the pitch. However, he explained that United had to balance fan concerns with the club’s financial realities.

“We understand that any price rise is unwelcome, especially when the team is underperforming. However, we could not keep prices the same while costs continue to rise,” Berrada said.

He also emphasized that the club had protected young season ticket holders by keeping prices the same for under-16s.

Conclusion

The decision to increase ticket prices has sparked debate among Manchester United fans. While the club insists it is necessary for financial sustainability, many supporters feel that loyalty is not being rewarded—especially during a time when the team is struggling.

As the 2025-26 season approaches, it remains to be seen whether the new pricing model will have a long-term impact on fan support and match attendance at Old Trafford.

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