Manchester United have confirmed a five percent increase in season ticket prices for the 2025/26 season, ignoring appeals from supporters’ groups to freeze costs. While ticket prices for under-16s will remain unchanged, the club is introducing a new game categorisation system for non-season ticket holders, allowing them to adjust pricing for high-profile matches.
United fans have repeatedly protested at Old Trafford in recent months, particularly following the club’s decision last November to scrap concession prices for children and over-65s, leaving all remaining match tickets priced at £66 ($85).
A Fan Advisory Board (FAB), which engaged with the club on the matter, had pushed for a price freeze, but United opted to proceed with the increase. Season ticket prices at Old Trafford have already risen by five percent in each of the last two seasons, following an 11-year freeze.
United’s chief executive, Omar Berrada, defended the decision, stating: “We listened carefully to the strong arguments put forward by the FAB 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,” added Berrada.
“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.”
Co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, who recently took over football operations at the club, claimed last week that United would have faced financial difficulties at the end of last year without cost-cutting measures and the ticket price hikes he has implemented.
The club has suffered cumulative losses of £410 million over the past seven years, partly due to costly mistakes in transfers and managerial appointments. Currently sitting 13th in the Premier League, United’s best hope of winning silverware this season lies in the Europa League.
In addition to the price hikes, United plans to convert some general admission seats near the dugouts into hospitality sections, which can be sold at a premium.
The move comes in contrast to Premier League leaders Liverpool, who announced last month that they would freeze ticket prices for the upcoming season.
The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) expressed disappointment, stating: “For months, we have strongly argued that the club should look at the bigger picture and freeze ticket prices for next season. Other clubs have done so, and at United, this would have sent a powerful message about the need for everyone to work together to help the club out of its difficult position.
Meanwhile, United recently revealed plans to leave Old Trafford for a new 100,000-seater stadium, with the project expected to cost around £2 billion.
