New Delhi: Manchester United supporters are set to face another increase in season ticket prices with the club announcing about 5% hike for the 2025-26 season. The decision is being made as the club aims to become financially sustainable, marking the third consecutive year of such increases. While the rise is lower than some had anticipated, it has nonetheless left a section of the fanbase frustrated, particularly given their calls for a price freeze amid ongoing on-pitch struggles.
The Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) has acknowledged that the decision is not as severe as feared but insists that the club has ignored appeals to halt price increases. The club has also chosen to keep prices unchanged for under-16s, offering some relief to younger supporters. However, the broader rise comes at a time when fans are already voicing concerns over other financial decisions made under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group including staff redundancies and increased commercial pricing.
BREAKING: Man United to increase season ticket prices by 5% for next season, which is an average of £2.50 per game 🚨 pic.twitter.com/UJRSErPODn
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 17, 2025
Ticket price changes and new regulations
From the 2025-26 season, Man United will introduce a new game categorisation system for non-season ticket holders which means that the high-profile matches are deemed to cost more. Additionally, season ticket holders will now be required to attend at least 16 of the 19 home Premier League games, up from the previous threshold of 15.
Club chief executive Omar Berrada defended the changes and stated that the pricing structure had been carefully designed to remain fair while balancing the club’s rising operational costs. He acknowledged fan frustrations, particularly given the team’s underwhelming performances in recent seasons but stressed the importance of maintaining financial health to invest in squad improvements.
Despite these assurances, MUST remains sceptical and still questions the rationale behind the price hike. The group pointed out that other clubs have opted to freeze prices and argued that United should have done the same as a goodwill gesture to unify fans during a turbulent period. They also raised concerns over the introduction of game categorisation fearing that it would further increase costs for supporters.
Stakeholders take
Man United’s financial restructuring under Ineos has led to a series of cost-cutting measures with ticket price increases being just one aspect. The club has already undergone rounds of staff layoffs and implemented mid-season price adjustments pushing some ticket prices further up to £66 without concessions. Additional measures include higher car parking fees and a £10 charge for late ticket returns.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has maintained that these financial changes are necessary to curb mounting losses which exceeded £113 million last year. Speaking about the broader financial situation he acknowledged the importance of keeping ticket prices reasonable, particularly for younger and older fans but also emphasised that ticketing remains a key revenue stream for player investments.
Man Utd confirm season ticket prices for men’s team next year will increase by around 5% (apart from u16s)
Here’s what Man United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe told me last week about why prices are increasing ⬇️ https://t.co/95pAdzYmZf pic.twitter.com/E6fRU8RFGN
— Dan Roan (@danroan) March 17, 2025
The latest pricing strategy also includes discounts for senior fans. In the upcoming season, the senior discount will align with the state pension for the age of 66 providing a 25% reduction instead of the previous 50% for some. Meanwhile, seats behind the dugouts will be repurposed for hospitality allowing the club to generate higher revenues from premium matchday experiences.
As the club moves forward with its financial restructuring, fans remain divided over the direction taken by the new ownership. But as stated by Ratcliff if the club doesn’t make a decision then the club will run out of money at Christmas which marks the necessity of these changes for long-term stability while others believe that this will increase the burden on supporters. The Red Devils are not performing really well on the pitch and this step is being seen by many as a wrong call. With growing discontent in the stands, it still remains to be seen whether United’s leadership will adapt their approach or continue down this path of fiscal tightening.
Man United announces a hike in season ticket price for 2025-26, sparking fan frustration amid on-pitch struggles and financial restructuring under Ineos. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
