Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United are looking to right their wrongs from a hodgepodge 2024/25 campaign – and the club, spearheaded by INEOS billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, have overseen an increase in food and beverage prices at Old Trafford. The club, however, have blamed the holistic rising costs in England.
Initial concerns rose last month when a photo showing concourse prices was posted from Soccer Aid, a charity match that is held at Old Trafford. At the time, the club insisted that prices were still undecided – but they later confirmed a rise in beer prices.
When they attended the club’s final pre-season game – a 1-1 draw with Fiorentina on home soil – supporters were then stung by the hike in beer prices. The club, when recently quizzed, have now explained why food and drink prices have increased.
Man Utd Respond to Increase in Beer and Food Prices
Old Trafford general view
Old Trafford general view
As found out when Amorim’s men lost 1-0 to Arsenal, fans were forced to pay £4.95 for a bottle of Carling, while it also cost £5.75 if supporters – irrespective of whether they are in favour of the home or away side – wanted to drink a pint of Madri instead.
In response to fan dismay, a Manchester United spokesperson has defended the club’s decision-making when quizzed by popular publication Manchester Evening News – as they said the increase in prices have coincided with nationwide price rises.
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“For the last two seasons, we have trialled discounting beer following fan feedback. Unfortunately, this has coincided with high increases in food & beverage (25-30%) in the last three years since kiosk prices were last reviewed holistically.”
“To reflect the increase in operating costs, and the rising cost of produce, for the 2025/26 campaign we will not be able to continue offering this discount and there some kiosk prices will increase,” the club’s spokesperson continued.
“Most notably, bottled Carling (500ml) will increase from £3.80 to £4.956 (which remains cheaper than 3 years ago), and a pint of Madri will increase from £3.80 to £5.75.”
The Stretford-based club, however, remain adamant that their beer prices – despite the increase – remain lower than the Premier League average of £6.00, while a collection of five pubs close to Old Trafford average out at around £6.29.
“Although this is an increase on previous seasons, it sells means a pint of beer is beneath the £6 average in the Premier League, as well as beneath the average cost of a pint of beer at five local pubs to Old Trafford used by fans on match day (£6.29). Based on prices known publicly, the revised pricing means Old Trafford will serve the 9th cheapest pint in the Premier League.”
Manchester United's Old Trafford
Manchester United's Old Trafford
In terms of Old Trafford's provision of food, they said: “Meal deals remain available, and fans can pick up three items for £10.70 (£1 increase on 2024/25) and six items for £20 (£2.80 increase on 2024/25) offering good value for money (meal deals include 1 hot food item, typically grill-type e.g. pie of hot dog, 1 drink e.g. beer, wine, or soft drink, 1 snack e.g. chips/crisps or confectionery.”