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Manchester United have defended their decision to raise season-ticket prices despite the club’s faltering on-field performance.
Tickets at Old Trafford will go up by 5% next season, with under-16s the only group to have their prices frozen. United’s chief executive, Omar Berrada, said the increase in cost was “fair and reasonable”, arguing it was necessary while the club faces “financial issues”.
Berrada said: “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 [fans’ advisory board] 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.
“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.”
Alongside increased ticket prices, United announced other new revenue-generating measures. They said they would convert the areas adjacent to the managers’ dugouts into hospitality seating. This decision, the club said, reflected “the high value of this unique location” and fans who hold season tickets there will be forced to move.
United also said fans would be charged £10 if they used the club’s official resale service within 14 days of a game.
The announcements are the latest step in United’s attempts to cut costs and raise revenue. Last week the minority co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe warned that the club “would have run out of cash at Christmas” had action not been taken. He also said that the club would become “the most profitable” in the world in three years.
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The rises conform with prices announced by some of United’s top-flight rivals. Newcastle are also to raise season-ticket costs by 5% and Arsenal’s are to go up by 3%-5%. Liverpool and Tottenham are among clubs who have frozen prices.
