Manchester United is facing backlash from its supporters after announcing a mid-season increase in matchday ticket prices to £66, with no discounts for children or pensioners. The announcement came shortly after the club revealed it had spent £10.4 million to settle severance payments for former manager Erik ten Hag and his coaching staff. Additionally, Manchester United paid £11 million to secure the release of Ruben Amorim from Sporting Lisbon to take over as the new manager. The club’s decision to hike ticket prices has sparked outrage, particularly among the 1958 fans’ group, which has accused the club of exploiting its loyal fanbase. The group also criticized the practice of reselling tickets at higher prices, referring to it as “corporate touting” and “unacceptable.” In response, the group plans to organize a protest in collaboration with Everton supporters before the upcoming Premier League match at Old Trafford.
While Manchester United claims that the price increase will only affect a small number of fans—since 97% of the available tickets have already been sold—the remaining tickets will be subject to the higher prices. The club justifies the price hikes by citing the need to generate revenue to meet the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations, particularly as it seeks to strengthen the squad under Amorim’s management. However, critics argue that the decision highlights the club’s priorities, with more money being spent on managerial changes and player acquisitions than on supporting the broader community of fans. The Manchester United Supporters' Trust (MUST) also voiced its disapproval, describing the move as "offensive" and emphasizing that fans were not consulted prior to the decision. The trust has expressed a desire to engage in urgent discussions with the club to address concerns about the policy.
This price increase is not an isolated case in the Premier League. Many other clubs have also raised their ticket prices this season, despite the new lucrative TV deals worth £6.7 billion over the next four years. This has led to widespread protests from fans across various clubs, with the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) launching the "Stop Exploiting Loyalty" campaign to oppose the rising costs. Although Manchester United and other clubs argue that these increases are necessary to stay financially competitive and to comply with the Premier League’s regulations, the growing discontent among fans suggests that the balance between profit and loyalty is increasingly difficult to maintain. As ticket prices continue to rise, it remains to be seen how clubs will navigate the tension between financial sustainability and fan satisfaction in the future.
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