Some matches will be more expensive than others in a new "categorisation" model
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Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United is challenged by Matheus Nunes of Manchester City during the Premier League match between United and City
Matheus Nunes was deployed at right-back by Pep Guardiola for Manchester City's derby draw at Manchester United
Manchester United will introduce a new "categorisation" model for their ticket prices for the 2025/26 season, which will see some big games against Premier League rivals priced significantly more than other home fixtures - and some fans in the Manchester Evening News comments section say that football risks "destroying its soul", and that the bubble must eventually burst.
Six of United's home fixtures will get the "category A" rating and cost between £59 and £97, with those being against Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Chelsea, and Arsenal. Leeds United will also be included in this top category, having been promoted from the Championship. The new model does not affect season ticket holders.
Most of the remaining league games will be category B (£57-£86), with a couple in category C (£37-£60). Cup games will be in their own category D (£32-£52), and concessions will be available for all of these.
United sources argue that the model reflects the demand for each type of game. The changes come after the worst season at Old Trafford in many peoples' lifetimes, and the Manchester United Supporters' Trust say that it's a "kick in the teeth", pushing regular supporters away, and threatens to price out future fans.
Fans say they're not feeling good about the news in light of a grim year for the club. Reader Wiserds says: "Sadly it's the same across all of football and will continue to be the case whilst footballers wages are so ludicrously and distgustingly high. There is no justification for the Premier League players receiving the salaries they do, other than other teams pay the vast sums of money.
"As others have wrote, the simple solution is not to attend, but whilst demand oustrips supply then I guess the casual supporter will always pay it. Football is slowly destroying its soul. The bubble will burst at some point in the future."
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Commenter Utd20T reckons the club misunderstands its own fans: "I'm not surprised with the pricing... it's supply and demand. Dynamic pricing has been on the cards for some time. It doesn't effect me as a ST holder whereby we have had a modest increase, but I'm not naive enough to believe that we won't be next. Even though I don't feel the impact this season, it doesn't mean it's not wrong.
"Categorising games is a smokescreen... we are not a Man City who turn up for the derby, but pass on games against the likes of Fulham. Imagine the increases if we were actually a top 4 club, and if we get back to that, the increases will be eye-watering."
Glazerclowns writes: "If we had a decent team I could understand it to some degree, but after the shambles of a season just gone it’s a disgrace." Popepourri adds: "'Top 6'… cheapest ticket is £59 and yet we are a million miles away from being a 'Top 6' outfit ourselves. That’s me done after 45 years plus... let the tourists have ‘em."
Some are calling for a soft boycott, for fans not to buy tickets or merch to show their displeasure. Gortonboy says: "Protests do not work, waving flags and banners simply show the owners that United have a passionate fan base there to exploit.
"The only, ONLY, way to change how the owners manage/invest in the club is by reducing the revenue going into the club, be that by not buying any form of merchandise or not buying tickets (including season tickets). Hard to do, easy to say, but continuing protests will never work."
Stephenjh writes: "Vote with your feet. If you keep paying, it will never change! Ticket touts have been making fortunes off match goers since time began! The reality now is that a business man is in charge now, and Man U should be taking people's money, not touts. Hopefully the touts will be moving on now."
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The situation reflects football as a whole, says DavebH H: "Sadly it’s all about corporate and tourists now. Not just United but the Prem as a whole. These billionaire owners have taken the game, our game, out of our hands."
Have your say! Does pricing games by demand make sense for Manchester United? Or will it lead to more fans becoming unhappier with the club? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.