Key Highlights:

• Manchester United to increase season ticket prices by approximately 5% for the 2025-26 season.
• The average price hike amounts to around £2.50 ($3.25), excluding under-16 tickets.
• Fans express disappointment, arguing for a freeze on prices due to the club's financial difficulties.
• Club management insists the rise is necessary to address operational cost increases.
• Plans to build a new stadium and reduce staffing levels are underway alongside these changes.

Manchester United has announced a 5% increase in season ticket prices for the upcoming 2025-26 season, marking the third consecutive year of price hikes at the iconic Old Trafford stadium. The average increase per ticket will be approximately £2.50 ($3.25), with existing prices for under-16 tickets remaining unchanged. This adjustment is part of the club's ongoing efforts to navigate its significant financial challenges, which include total debts exceeding £1 billion, according to both Channel News Asia and Reuters.

United's Chief Executive, Omar Berrada, emphasized the necessity of the price rise to "offset continued rises in operating costs," although he acknowledged that any increase is typically unwelcome, particularly at a time when the team is not performing well on the pitch. Despite listening to the Fan Advisory Board advocating for a price freeze, the club felt it was not appropriate to keep prices unchanged while facing escalated costs, as stated in reports from BBC.

The Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) expressed mixed feelings regarding the latest price increase, noting that while it was "less than many feared," they are disappointed that the club did not adopt a broader approach to freeze ticket prices. The group argued that a price freeze would send a strong message of unity as the club navigates through these difficult financial waters. They remarked, "For several months we have argued long and hard that the club need to look at the big picture," a sentiment echoed by fans who staged protests earlier this month against the club's management.

Furthermore, alongside the price adjustments, Manchester United is undergoing notable changes to manage its financial constraints, including the controversial announcement of 150 to 200 job cuts and plans to construct a new stadium designed to seat 100,000 spectators, which would be the largest in Britain. This ambitious project is estimated to cost around £2 billion, aimed at bolstering the club's capabilities in attracting fans and generating revenue in the future.

As the club prepares for the forthcoming season, fans remain vigilant amidst ongoing changes, expressing their hope for an improved experience and performance on the pitch.

For more details, visit the full articles at Channel News Asia and Reuters.