Man United: Football tourism keeps Old Trafford in high demand despite ticket price hike

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football finance journalist specialising in the financial landscape of the Premier League and SPFL. FOCUS Financial analysis, club economics, and data-led coverage across the top flight and Scottish football. THE INSIGHT Ciaran utilises a network of financial and industry contacts to deliver verified, data-driven analysis. He provides the numbers behind the noise to ensure fans understand the fiscal reality driving decisions at the top of the game.

Published on:

18 Mar 2026, 7:00 am

Manchester United's worldwide appeal is what is keeping Old Trafford full on matchdays after another ticket price hike.

That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, after Man United announced season tickets will rise by 5% for the fourth successive season.

Man United's latest financial accounts showed that the club remains in nearly £1.3billion worth of debt, and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been known for his cost-cutting measures since he arrived in 2024.

Champions League football could boost Man United's revenue, with Michael Carrick's side on course for a top three Premier League finish this season.

Man United 'prime example of football tourism'

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 - believes that there will always be a market for Man United tickets.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness states that the club have not raised prices in hospitality areas.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Corporate is obviously proving to be a little softer area, as we've seen not only in the corporate United sales and hospitality, but also on the sponsorship area.

"So that is a bit softer, and so they've had to hold the prices there. But again, it's the poor fan. But again, if there is a market and somebody else is going to come in and buy your seat, then I'm afraid that is the law of the market and that's what's going to happen.

"United are the prime example also of tourism, football tourism coming in. Old Trafford seems to be a place that can always manage to fill the seats.”

(Credit: Getty Images)

Barcelona locked in Marcus Rashford talks

Sources have told Football Insider that Man United are still in discussions with Barcelona over the transfer of Marcus Rashford.

Barcelona are keen to sign Rashford on a permanent deal in the summer transfer window, and have an option to sign the 28-year-old for £26million.

Man United are not willing to reduce their asking price for Rashford, which is currently holding up any agreement being struck between the two clubs.

Manchester United

Keith Wyness