Manchester United Owners Ready To Raise Old Trafford Ticket Prices

Manchester United are pending a controversial decision on whether or not to raise ticket prices by 11 per cent, according to a report in The News of the World.

The Glazer family have been heavily criticised for putting up admission prices in the past - increases which have seen ticket prices rise by an average of 67% since their arrival back in 2005.

The Americans’ decision to freeze season ticket prices was approved by the fans last season, following a public protest, yet a year earlier United were the only club to raise ticket prices in the Premier League against the economic backdrop of a rise in the unemployment rate to 2.5 million.

However, Malcolm Glazer is now ready to risk another chunk of the club’s support if he decides to follow through with a suggested five to 11 per cent rise in ticket prices – which could see fans pay up to £80 on top of the average £722 cost of a season pass.

United recently paid off £220 million of their high-interest PIK loan, pushing their debt down to a more manageable £510 million deficit.

Whilst the Glazers target gate-receipts, United have seen the season-ticket waiting list weaken in the past year, with empty rows clearly visible within their 76,000-seater Old Trafford stadium.

A decision on whether or not to implement the proposed ticket price increase is expected in April.