“Man United Raises Ticket Prices Again Under Sir Jim Ratcliffe for 2025-26 Season” This title condenses the original while retaining key details: the club (Man United), the action (price increase), the recurring nature (“Again”), Jim Ratcliffe’s involvement, and the specific season (2025-26). It stays within the 15-word limit, emphasizes the repetitive hike, and maintains clarity and impact.

Manchester United Fans Fume as Club Raises Ticket Prices for 2025-26 Season
By Chris Wheeler | Updated: 17 March 2025

Manchester United supporters have slammed the club’s decision to increase ticket prices for the third consecutive season, defying calls from fan groups to freeze costs. The move includes a 5% hike for season tickets, premium game surcharges, and stricter terms for attendees.

Key Changes Announced

• 5% season ticket increase: Raising the average cost by £2.50 per game.
• Premium game pricing: Higher prices for marquee matches, including a new “match categorization” model.
• Relocation of fans: Supporters behind dugouts will be moved to accommodate premium seats.
• Stricter attendance rules: Season ticket holders must attend 16 of 19 Premier League games (up from 15).

The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) criticized the decision, arguing it prioritizes profits over loyalty. Despite a partial concession—freezing prices for Under-16s—fans labeled the hikes tone-deaf amid the team’s on-field struggles.

Fan Backlash and Protests
MUST and protest group The 1958 have staged demonstrations in recent weeks, urging the club to reconsider. MUST’s statement emphasized frustration:

“Other clubs have frozen prices, but United missed a chance to unite fans during tough times. The increase is smaller than feared, but premium game pricing and seat relocations penalize loyal supporters.”

The club also introduced a £10 fee for last-minute ticket resales and raised parking costs by 15%, further fueling discontent.

[IMAGE 1: Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Old Trafford | Caption: Owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s price hikes face fierce backlash from fans.]

Club’s Justification
CEO Omar Berrada acknowledged fan frustration but cited inflation and rising operational costs:

“We’ve absorbed expenses for years, but can’t sustain it. This increase is fair, given the economic climate.”

United last froze prices for 11 consecutive seasons but have now raised them 5% annually since 2023. Berrada called the move “unwelcome but necessary,” stressing the need to address the club’s financial challenges.

[IMAGE 2: Fans protesting outside Old Trafford | Caption: Supporters protest ticket increases amid rising costs of living.]

MUST’s Counterarguments
The Trust criticized premium game pricing, demanding a cap on high-cost fixtures:

“Most matches should stay at base pricing. Relocating fans for premium seats undermines community.”

They also opposed the stricter attendance rule, arguing it unfairly penalizes supporters facing unavoidable absences. Over 10,000 fans are expected to participate in MUST’s ongoing survey shaping their formal response.

[IMAGE 3: Omar Berrada addressing media | Caption: CEO Omar Berrada called the hikes “unwelcome” but defended the decision.]

Broken Trust
Fans accuse the club of prioritizing commercial gains over tradition, with many citing rising costs of living. A season ticket holder tweeted:

“Another price hike while the team flounders? It’s a slap in the face.”

As United seeks to balance finances and fan loyalty, tensions highlight deeper discontent over the club’s direction under Ratcliffe’s ownership.

Stay tuned for updates as fan groups and the club negotiate terms ahead of the 2025-26 season.