August 17, (THEWILL) – Manchester United has raised ticket prices by 5% ahead of the 2023/2024 season, marking the first increase in over a decade.
The club joins Arsenal, Crystal Palace and other English Premier League teams in implementing higher ticket prices. The decision has angered fans, but United’s Head of Fan Engagement Rick McGagh defended it. “We looked at lots of different factors, mainly the cost of operating the games at Old Trafford,” McGagh explained. “When you take into account the fact that we’re committed to paying the real living wage for our casual staff, such as our stewards, car park attendants, hospitality staff.
“In order to do that, plus the energy costs, it was pretty clear the prices did need to increase. At the time the decision was made, which was around December, inflation was just over 11%,” McGagh continued. “Therefore we came up with a model which was a 5% increase, the club taking just over half the hit, and then supporters paying a little bit more. Depending on where you sit in the ground, it is a £1, £2 or £3 increase, but on average, £2 a game.”
Despite the increase, Old Trafford season tickets remain the 8th most expensive in the Premier League at £559 for the cheapest option. That’s over £400 less than the lowest season ticket at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.
The 5% raise is the first at Old Trafford in over 10 years. Nevertheless, while United says rising operating costs, especially wages and energy, necessitated the price bump, fans argue the club should absorb more of the increase after a disappointing season given all the fans have gone through standing by the club throughout.
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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
