Club Response to Manchester United Ticket Price Announcement

FC United notes with great disappointment the announcement this week that all tickets for MUFC members – including children and concessions - are set to rise to £66 a game for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.

We initially welcomed with cautious optimism Sir Jim Ratcliffe's purchase of a significant stake in Manchester United from the Glazer family - however it appears the long and tired tradition of exploiting United's fanbase in order to fix the problems caused by those in the boardroom will continue. 

It appears that this decision has been made with zero consulation with MUFC fan groups or forums and is set to take effect immediately. It’s clear that many supporters are now also worried about what will follow with season ticket prices for next season.

People may debate the rights and wrongs of increasing adult ticket prices to such a level, but the fact that it will also apply to child tickets is an absolutely egregious example of fan exploitation. 

It will now cost an adult and a child an eye-watering £132 to attend a game at Old Trafford this season. 

How does the club expect to attract the next generation of supporters from Stretford and across Manchester with such a policy? Perhaps the more pertinent question is; do they care? 

The Premier League is swimming in more TV and commercial revenue than at any time in its history, but Sir Jim and his executives seem to think that the correct answer is to price local kids out of the opportunity to see their heroes play in person.

After almost 20 years of a disastrous Glazer ownership, Manchester United's debt now stands at over £700m. 

With 97% of Old Trafford tickets already sold for this season, this new price increase stands to make only the smallest of dents in the effort to repay the debt, while making a significant dent in the wallets of everyday fans. 

However, as supporters’ groups have rightly pointed out – this is likely just a sign of things to come next season. Once again, it's those the club hierarchy considers to be at the bottom of the rung who suffer the most.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe may present himself as a locally-born Manchester United fan, but this latest announcement – and the complete lack of consultations with supporter groups before making it – would seem to demonstrate that he has much more in common with the Glazer and Edwards families than the average local United fan.

At this point, one of the world's finest football clubs appears forever doomed to be the plaything of random rich benefactors, with a vast loyal fanbase eternally taken advantage of.

We call upon the hierarchy at Manchester United to properly engage with fan groups and forums and to listen to the grave concerns of our fellow United fans already struggling to afford to go to Old Trafford. 

In the meantime, a viable and sustainable alternative always exists here at FC United of Manchester. We extend the hand of friendship to all Reds and remind you that you are always welcome to sample the club created by United fans and for United fans, in the image of what Manchester United should be. 

An adult and child can make a saving of £116 by attending a men's game at Broadhurst Park this season, for £13 and £3 respectively. Furthermore, our matchday prices are set and controlled by our fans, who can become members for only £25 a year and have an equal say in how the club is run.

We believe there is a better way forward for football. If you’d like to join us in championing that cause, you can find out more here; Membership | FC United of Manchester