A Manchester United fan group has strongly criticized the club’s latest season ticket price increases, calling them “a total disgrace” for older supporters.
United announced on Monday that most ticket prices will rise by around 5% for the third consecutive year, with a price freeze for under-16s. However, some senior citizens face significantly steeper increases.
A 50% discount previously available to some older fans has now been reduced to a standard 25% and will align with the state pension age of 66.
Fan group The 1958 claims this effectively results in a 57% price hike for some of the club’s longest-serving supporters.
“This is the first phase of reducing the number of season ticket holders,” the group said in a statement. “We have always believed the club is trying to marginalize match-going fans. Cutting the 50% concession to 25% for those who had it is a total disgrace.”
Fans Express Anger and Heartbreak
BBC Sport invited reactions from supporters on its Manchester United club page. Many fans labeled the price hikes “cynical” and “insulting,” while some admitted they could no longer afford to attend matches.
- Diane: “Disgusted and upset. As a pensioner, I expected a 30% increase, but it’s actually 60%! I’ve supported United since 1967—this is insulting!”
- Victor: “My ticket has gone up by £346—£18.75 extra per game. I’ve been going since 1957, and this is how they treat us.”
- Ian: “My OAP season ticket has increased nearly 60%, from £484 to £769. My first game was in 1965. This feels cynical—loyalty means nothing to Ineos.”
- Lynda: “As a pensioner, my ticket will rise by £254 a season—£15 extra per match. I’ve supported United since 1960, but now I can’t afford to go. Heartbroken.”
- Philip: “At 76, my renewal will increase by 58%, from £494 to £840. I’ve held a season ticket for 25 years, supported United since I was 12—but this is my last season. It’s a disgrace.”
- Christopher: “I’m 82 and have supported United since 1956. My ticket price has jumped from £494 to £840.75—a 70% increase. Is this fair? It’s clear they want pensioners out.”
- John: “After 50 years near the dugouts, my family and I are being moved. I’m 81, less mobile, and have followed United home and away for 70 years. My current seat would cost 75% more if I stayed. Depending on where I’m moved, this may be my last season. The club should remember loyal fans like me—not just ‘tourist’ corporate customers.”
Supporters’ Trust Seeks Urgent Talks
The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) has called for urgent discussions with the club, arguing that any reduction in senior discounts should be phased in over multiple seasons.
“The effect of this policy change is significant price hikes for older fans,” MUST said. “It’s no surprise these changes are causing such huge concern.”
Club Defends Pricing Strategy
Announcing the changes, United chief executive Omar Berrada stated the club had “worked hard to develop a pricing package that is fair and reasonable,” emphasizing that increases were necessary “to offset continued rises in operating costs.”
The club has implemented various cost-cutting measures, with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe arguing these are essential for stabilizing the club’s finances.
United also highlighted that season ticket prices remain lower than they were a decade ago when adjusted for inflation, and are comparable with other clubs in northwest England. Prices were previously frozen for 11 straight seasons until 2022.
Regarding the senior discount reduction, United said the change removes an inconsistency where some fans received a 50% concession while others had only 25%. The club argues this adjustment allows it to maintain senior discounts for all eligible fans.
However, for many lifelong supporters, the sharp increase has left them feeling sidelined and priced out of the club they’ve followed for decades.
