Manchester United fan group The 1958 has branded large ticket price increases for some senior supporters “a total disgrace”.
United revealed on Monday that season ticket prices will rise by five per cent for the third successive year amid ongoing efforts to balance the books.
While the cost for under-16s will be frozen, the applicable ‘senior’ discount will now track the state pension age of 66 and will be an across-the-board 25 per cent, meaning a big hike for some fans who had been receiving their tickets at half price.
ℹ️ We have today confirmed our season ticket prices for the 2025/26 men's team campaign.#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 17, 2025
Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) criticised the changes on Monday and The 1958 has now followed suit, saying in a statement: “The fact the ticket prices were not frozen and the club did not follow the precedent set by other Premier League clubs is really disappointing. Especially after serving up one of the worst teams in decades.”
The group highlighted the changes for older fans, a 15 per cent increase in car park charges and the introduction of different pricing structures depending on the profile of matches, calling them “stealth rises”.
“This is the first phase of reducing the amount of season ticket holders,” continued The 1958 statement.
“We have always campaigned (that) the club are trying to marginalise match-going fans. Cutting the 50 per cent OAP concession to 25 per cent for those who had it is a total disgrace.
“This also paves the way for there never being any new season tickets issued now. Why would they do this if they are increasing non-season ticket prices by more? It is also a stay of execution to put them up to whatever they want to if we ever move to a new stadium.
“We want a custodian of the club that puts fans first, cares about this once great institution. Instead, we have a club that is crumbling beneath our feet and we are expected to foot the bill for 20 years of Glazer decay and damage.”
MUST estimates around 7,000 senior fans are affected by the policy change and is calling on United to reconsider.
“We are seeking urgent discussions with the club to discuss the implementation of this big change and urge them to phase the reduction in the OAP discount in over more than one season to mitigate the sudden impact on some of our most loyal supporters,” a spokesman said.
There have been a number of protests by United fans in recent months about increased costs to fans and the running of the club.
In announcing the ticket price news, chief executive Omar Berrada accepted the move would be unpopular, but said: “The club has decided it would not be right to keep prices unchanged while costs rise and the club continues to face financial issues.”
