‘Fans will protest as Man United look to bring alien money-spinner to Old Trafford’
Man United’s fans will protest if the club push ahead and charge £4,000 for the right to buy a season ticket.
That is the view of football finance expert Dan Plumley, who told Football Insider exclusively that despite the backlash, some fans were still likely to stump up the exorbitant fee.
Man United are exploring the idea of charging fans £4,000 to buy a seat licence, which does not include the added cost of paying for a season ticket.
The idea is one of several that the club are exploring in a bid to finance the cost of a new stadium.
Seat licences are commonplace in the United States and have been used by La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.
However, United have not yet confirmed they will employ the use of these licences and they are looking at several alternative options.
Man United explore ‘alien’ ticket idea
This article contains exclusive comment from Dan Plumley, a football finance expert and senior lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University.
Plumley spoke previously to Football Insider, warning that Man United’s ticket licence idea could become commonplace in English football.
Supporter group The 1958 had been planning a protest of Jim Ratcliffe’s running of the club recently, although that has been called off due to a lack of backing from the wider supporter base.
The finance expert told Football Insider exclusively that fans would likely protest if the idea became a concrete plan.
Plumley said: “That’s where you can potentially raise some funds, which is what United may be aiming at here. There’s a lot of noise behind this at the minute.
“I understand why fans will protest if it goes to that point, I also think some fans will still pay it if it gets to that point. But let’s wait and see.
“It’s one of many options on the table. I think that the backstory to this again is that it’s one of those American ticket-selling ideas that is commonplace in that market.
“It’s alien to English football at the minute, but I guess we have started to see it in pockets with corporate seats and high net worth individuals.”
Matt Le Tissier makes shock Man United prediction
Away from the off-field rumblings that forever seem to dominate the discourse around the club, Premier League legend Matt Le Tissier has predicted where Ruben Amorim‘s side will place next season.
The Red Devils endured their worst finish in the Premier League era last term, and have spent heavily this summer to avoid a similar outcome.
Le Tissier told Football Insider he thinks Man United may be a surprise package and finish fifth next year.
The former England striker believes that with a full pre-season learning Amorim’s system, the Red Devils are well-placed to earn a spot in Europe.