Man United are making the fans angry all over again by raising ticket prices – this time for an Under-21s game at Old Trafford. Entry for the Premier League International Cup clash against Athletic Bilbao on September 24 will be priced at £10 for adults and £5 for children, a big increase from prior youth games held at the Theatre of Dreams.
Ticket Shock for Academy Fans
Until now Under-19 Old Trafford games have been £3 for adults and £1.50 kids, so a parent and child could get in for just £4.50. The 233% mark-up has led to raised eyebrows among the supporter base. Some fans branded the £10 price tag “a joke” and predicted empty stands, whereas others thought it was a fair price for a rare Old Trafford experience.
Controversy Beyond Prices
Traditionally, Man United’s Under-21s play at Leigh Sports Village, 13 miles from Old Trafford, where tickets have typically been free. Alongside staff redundancies, ticket hikes have become a hot-button issue since Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquired a minority stake last February. Earlier this year, Premier League matchday tickets rose to £66 with no concessions, sparking widespread protests. Ratcliffe defended the increases, comparing United’s prices to London clubs like Fulham and insisting higher fees are justified.
Author’s Opinion
The rise for the Under-21s is nothing compared to first team costs, but it puts into focus a trend of commercialisation that even plagues youth matches. Fans are right to ask questions about these changes, but £10 for a unique Old Trafford experience doesn’t feel particularly extortionate — not when it potentially contributes to the long term wellbeing of your club. That said, Man United must be careful not to sacrifice loyal support for revenue aspirations. Alienating fans, even at the academy level, can also easily backfire and have wider damaging effects on club perception.
