Manchester
United have confirmed they will
increase season ticket prices by £1 a game next season. While
many clubs have reduced prices to attract more cash-strapped fans
at a time of a global economic crisis, United once again feel
confident about bucking the trend because they are still turning
away an average of almost 5,500 fans per
game.
Fans' groups are not too impressed with the rises, which take
the cost of a ticket to a top-price £49. The cheapest ticket at Old
Trafford will be £27.
Sportsmail understands
that the European and domestic champions will be the only Premier
League club to increase their season ticket prices next season -
although Aston Villa have slightly raised the price of the cheapest
seat at Villa Park.
In addition, the decision of the Treasury to refuse to
acknowledge tickets purchased last year should be reduced because
of the mid-season cut in VAT has effectively meant supporters have
felt no benefit, other than with their cup
purchases.
United claim they are 'highly unlikely' to add the additional 59
pence to a £27 ticket when VAT returns to its previous 17.5 per
cent level on December 31, although supporters' groups remain
unimpressed.
'It has been said in the past that the owners of the club will
squeeze United supporters until the pips squeak and this is clearly
the case,' said Sean Bones, vice-chairman of the Manchester United
Supporters Trust.
'Earlier in the year, the government gave a 2.5 per cent
reduction on the price of VAT on tickets. 'The Glazers
have absorbed this benefit and added more increases on
top.'
