Man Utd faced backlash from their oldest supporters when they announced season ticket prices for 2025/2026.
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United have halved pensioner concessions.(Image: 2024 Getty Images)
Manchester United have confirmed they considered phasing the reduction to pensioner discount, but they felt offering 50 per cent to some fans was no longer "sustainable" or "fair".
In previous years, pensioner season tickets would be discounted by 50 per cent, but United announced prices for 2025/26 last week and confirmed discounts would be reduced.
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Senior concessions have been halved and will now be offered at 25 per cent off, instead of 50 per cent. United also confirmed the age to be eligible for a senior ticket will be moved in line with the state pension age of 66.
United have increased all other season tickets by five per cent and have frozen Under-16 prices, meaning fans who receive pensioner discount have been hit hardest by the changes.
The club have argued that maintaining the 50 per cent discount was "not justifiable" due to the growing proportion of season ticket holders within the senior category, and that those who were given pensioner discount from the 2022/23 season had only received a 25 per cent discount.
A fans' forum meeting took place this month, and representatives asked what assessment had been made of the number of OAPs that will be unable to afford to renew their season tickets.
A representative from the club responded: "With a growing proportion of our season ticket-holder base within the senior category, it was not equitable, justifiable or sustainable to preserve a 50 per cent discount.
"Our focus has been on ensuring affordability for the next generation of fans through our price freeze on U16 season tickets, while taking a fair approach with other concessions.
"Our 25 per cent senior discount is broadly consistent with most other Premier League clubs, and unlike some, we do not limit the number of concessions or areas of the ground where they are available.
"While we understand and regret the disappointment for those seniors currently receiving the higher discount, we believe this change is the best way to preserve concessionary prices for all senior fans.
"We did consider phasing in the change, but felt that, having given existing recipients an additional two seasons at the 50% level, and with growing numbers of fans receiving the 25% discount, it was no longer sustainable nor fair to continue with a two-tier system for the same age group.
"The changes to senior concessions were part of a package of measures designed to be fair and balanced for all fans when viewed in their totality, while contributing to the club’s need for increased revenues.
"Had we kept the 50 per cent discount or phased in the reduction, it would have meant higher price increases for other groups to make up the lost revenues."
Dozens of unhappy supporters have contacted the Manchester Evening News about the reduction of pensioner discount, and one fan recently admitted he was "disgusted" by the change for next season.
The bottom line is that many pensioners whose discount has been halved will walk away. Some will give it up because they cannot afford it and others will feel they can't stomach the rise.