‘Man United have caused uproar with latest move – fans will hate this update’
Manchester United have caused uproar among supporters after their latest controversial move.
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe took control of the Red Devils back in December 2023, he has been heavily criticised on a number of occasions for his cost-cutting measures.
One positive of his time in charge is that Man United have announced plans to build a 100,000-seater stadium as part of the government’s regeneration of the Old Trafford area.
However, United are considering charging fans up to £4,000 for the right to buy a season ticket at the new facility.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – fully expects the ‘Personal Seat Licence’ (PSL) to come into effect, despite how much the fans will hate it.
‘Man United to take advantage of another revenue stream’
This article contains exclusive comment from Keith Wyness, former Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen CEO.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that a PSL is standard practice in US sport, so it is no surprise that Ratcliffe and INEOS are looking to introduce it.
The Red Devils’ supporters group, the 1958, are planning to protest against the ticketing scheme.
Wyness added that Man United are taking advantage of another level of revenue, and that it is simply supply and demand.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I know it caused uproar when it was leaked, but people have got to realize a seat license has been around in US sport for many, many years in the NFL and different areas.
“Basically it is like a debenture, like Wimbledon and Twickenham have, that all you’re doing is buying a right to buy your season ticket.
“Now, the success of a seat licensing program is based on scarcity and supply and demand. That’s basically it. Not every club can do it because there are often more tickets than fans who want to buy them.
“But in the case where United would have a new stadium and there is significant demand, then that would be another level of revenue that they would be looking to do.
“I expect this, I’m afraid the fans are going to hate me saying it, but I expect this to come in more often in more clubs now, as a new revenue stream, and I do expect it to come in at United.
“Now, whether they dress it up more than just a simple seat licensing program and add more benefits to it, they may well do that. But nevertheless, where clubs have got bigger supply and demand issues, I do expect it to come in as another level of revenue raising.”
Man United get major transfer boost
Meanwhile, Benjamin Sesko wants to join Man United this summer despite rival interest from Newcastle United with talks ongoing behind the scenes, sources have told Football Insider.
Ruben Amorim’s side are confident they can win the race for the striker and believe his desire to move to Old Trafford gives them the edge over their rivals.
This comes as Football Insider revealed on 1 August that Man United are pushing to sign Sesko and believe they have the financial muscle to get a deal over the line.
However, Newcastle saw their first bid of £69.9m rejected by the Bundesliga outfit, who are known to be tough negotiators after pricing Arsenal out of the move earlier this summer.
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