Manchester United supporters are mobilising for significant demonstrations against the club’s hierarchy after learning about potential seat licence fees of £4,000 for their proposed 100,000-capacity venue.
The controversial proposal has sparked fury amongst the fanbase, who are already planning extensive protests for the upcoming campaign.
These demonstrations threaten to overshadow the club’s attempts to generate positivity following summer acquisitions Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Ruben Amorim’s side have looked vastly improved on the pitch, too, comfortably beating Bournemouth 4-1 in the Premier League’s Summer Series on Thursday.
PA | The seat license method is the latest in a variety of cost-cutting and money-generating techniques explored by Sir Jim Ratcliffe
The planned protests follow earlier demonstrations this year, including thousands participating in the largest anti-ownership rally since Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquired his stake in the club.
Supporters remain incensed about various ownership decisions affecting match-going fans.
The Personal Seat Licence scheme, common across American sports but never before seen in England’s top flight, would demand supporters pay a substantial one-time fee merely to secure purchasing rights for season tickets.
This American-style system would grant holders exclusive access to their seats for three decades.
Manchester United
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Manchester United announced their plans for a new 100,000-seater stadium earlier this year
However, failure to renew annual season tickets would result in automatic forfeiture of the licence.
The scheme emerged during consultations with American firm CSL International in early July.
Revenue generated from these licences could potentially contribute towards financing the £2billion stadium project, scheduled to open for the 2031-32 season adjacent to Old Trafford.
The 1958 supporters’ group has condemned the proposal in stark terms, declaring it would “force out supporters who have followed our club for decades home and away.”
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Their spokesperson stated: “It will price out the youth, local communities, and generations of loyal fans. It’s another step towards the Americanisation of our game which is ripping football away from its working-class roots, showing just how out of touch our club and owners have become.”
The group dismissed any reassurances from the club, adding: “We don’t believe a word the club say. United are a sounding board for all other clubs.
“Their actions prove their intentions. We will be campaigning hard against this.”
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Manchester United fans have protested throughout Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s tenure due to his extreme cost-cutting measures
United officials insist the seat licence concept remains purely theoretical, discussed only within focus groups as one of several options under consideration.
The club faces mounting pressure over pricing strategies, having recently announced a new tiered system that will see increased charges for premium fixtures like the Manchester derby.
Average ticket prices for the forthcoming season will reach £46.51.
Supporters anticipate receiving surveys about the PSL proposal soon.
The timing proves particularly sensitive given existing tensions over ownership decisions and what many perceive as the erosion of football’s traditional accessibility to ordinary British supporters.