Manchester United Clarifies Controversial Ticket Price Decision

Manchester United have defended a rise in season ticket prices for 2025/26, forming part of the club’s ongoing wider efforts to raise revenue and cut costs.

Season ticket prices for all fans, except junior supporters aged 16 and under, will rise by 5%, aligning with increases implemented by rival clubs such as Arsenal and Liverpool.

The club’s fans’ advisory board (FAB) was consulted before a decision was made and had “strongly advocated” for a price freeze in the circumstances as has been the case at Tottenham Hotspur.

Communication from the FAB indicated that United had intended to increase prices by more than 5%.

However, The Athletic reported that the club was originally considering a much larger hike of 20%.

Chief executive Omar Berrada explained, “We understand that any price rise is unwelcome, especially during a period of underperformance on the pitch, and we listened carefully to the strong arguments put forward by the FAB in favor 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.

“We appreciate the loyal and patient support of our fans, and particularly our season-ticket holders who represent the core of our match‑going support base.

“We understand the importance of their backing for the team and have worked hard to come up with a pricing package that is fair and reasonable.

We have kept the increase to the lowest possible level and protected our ­youngest season‑ticket ­holders from any rises while ensuring the club remains financially strong enough to invest in improving the team.”

The rise has been strongly criticized in a statement from the Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST), which describes the news as “hard to stomach” in the context of everything else.

“We acknowledge that Jim Ratcliffe has put money into the club, while also meeting fans. But while he is right that the club is in terrible shape on and off the pitch, the idea that United must get its financial house in order essentially overnight is a choice.

“Our owners, and here we are looking squarely at the Glazers, put us in this position, and it is they who should be putting their hands in their pockets to help get us out of it.

“The idea that fans should pay for the Glazers’ ownership and errors on top of the thousands that we already pay to loyally follow the team is frankly offensive.”

In an additional effort to generate revenue, reports indicate that United has decided to convert areas near the home and away benches into premium hospitality seating.

As a result, current season ticket holders in those areas will be required to relocate to new seats elsewhere.