Manchester United fans have voiced their frustration after the club announced a significant increase in matchday ticket prices, with some tickets reaching £97. This hike comes on the heels of their worst domestic campaign in over 50 years, where they finished 15th in the Premier League.

Ticket Price Categories Introduced

For the first time, Manchester United has introduced price categories for the approximately 20,000 tickets available for each game. There are four categories, with the lowest priced tickets reserved exclusively for some cup games. The lowest priced ticket for a Premier League game is £37, applicable to two category C matches against Sunderland and Wolves. However, the highest priced tickets in category A, which include games against Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle, and Tottenham, will cost £97.

Club's Justification

Club officials argue that the £97 price applies to less than 1% of the available tickets. They also stated that the new prices were lower than originally planned following discussions with supporters. Despite this, the Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) has rejected the notion of any meaningful consultation and expressed their dismay at the announcement.

Fan Reactions

MUST criticized the club's decision, stating, "This really is a fresh kick in the teeth for Manchester United fans." They urged the club to keep the majority of matches at current levels and only apply the highest price category for a small number of the biggest games, while reducing prices for lower demand games.

Impact on Fan Support

The new ticketing model has raised concerns about its potential impact on the atmosphere at Old Trafford. MUST warned that this model could undermine the atmosphere in the ground, which is crucial for the team's performance, especially after a disastrous last season.

Club's Financial Strategy

Club officials maintain that raising revenue through ticket prices is essential for balancing finances. They also pointed out that categorisation of games is a practice implemented by virtually all their Premier League rivals. According to the Football Fancast, four clubs had a larger highest ticket price last season than United is planning for next season, with Fulham at the top of the list at £160.

Conclusion

As Manchester United prepares for the upcoming season, the club faces the challenge of uniting its fanbase while addressing financial pressures. The new ticketing model has sparked significant controversy, and its impact on fan support and team performance remains to be seen.