Manchester United's Head of Fan Engagement Rick McGagh has explained the recent 5% increase in ticket prices at Old Trafford.
For the first time in over ten years, the Red Devils made the decision to up their ticket prices by 5%, being one of 15 Premier League teams to introduce higher ticketing prices ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Arsenal and Crystal Palace have also increased theirs by 5% on average, while the likes of Nottingham Forest and Fulham have seen their rise by 20% and 18% respectively.
The decision to hike prices has notably angered Man Utd fans, however McGagh has explained why the club felt forced to bump their prices.
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"We looked at lots of different factors, mainly the cost of operating the games at Old Trafford," he told The Athletic. "When you take into account the fact that we’re committed to paying the real living wage for our casual staff, such as our stewards, car park attendants, hospitality staff. In order to do that, plus the energy costs, it was pretty clear the prices did need to increase.
"At the time the decision was made, which was around December, inflation was just over 11%. Therefore we came up with a model which was a 5% increase, the club taking just over half the hit, and then supporters paying a little bit more.Depending on where you sit in the ground, it is a £1, £2 or £3 increase, but on average, £2 a game."
Season tickets at Old Trafford are currently the eighth most expensive in the Premier League, with the cheapest season ticket available at the stadium costing punters £559. That is over £400 cheaper than the cheapest one available at the Emirates Stadium to watch last season's Premier League runners-up Arsenal.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Man Utd executive explains Old Trafford ticket price increase.