Manchester United have confirmed they will increase season ticket prices by £1 a game next season, bucking a wider Premier League trend of clubs cutting prices in response to the recession. United, who are still turning away an average of almost 5,500 fans per game, maintain the new prices still represent "good value".
Earlier this month, the Glazer family revealed debts of £650million, increasing the anger of fans groups over with the club's ticketing policy. The Office of Fair Trading has since refused to ask United to scrap their automatic cup scheme, meaning fans who do decide to purchase a season ticket are again committed to purchasing tickets for all cup games, apart from the Carling Cup.
In addition, the decision of the Treasury to refuse to acknowledge tickets purchased last year should be reduced because of the mid-season cut in VAT has effectively meant supporters have felt no benefit, other than with their cup purchases. United claim they are "highly unlikely" to add the additional 59 pence to a £27 ticket when VAT returns to its previous 17.5% level on 31 December, although supporters' groups remain unimpressed.
"It has been said in the past that the owners of the club will squeeze United supporters until the pips squeak and this is clearly the case," said Sean Bones, vice-chairman of the Manchester United Supporters Trust. "It's extremely disappointing that at a time when United supporters are struggling to come to terms with the economic situation, and other football clubs are responding by freezing and even reducing prices, that the Glazers have again decided to hike prices above the rate of inflation."
"The Glazers are abusing the fact that they are in a monopoly position. We believe it's time for the government to step in and help fans in the face of such blatant exploitation."
Chelsea, Arsenal and Wigan have announced price freezes for next season, while Bolton, Manchester City, West Ham, Sunderland, Everton and Blackburn have confirmed they are cutting prices. However United maintain that sheer demand for tickets means the Old Trafford pricing structure is fair.
"We are still turning away over 5,000 people per game on average," said a spokesman, pointing to average Premier League attendances this season of 75,299. "We believe this represents good value for money."
