Manchester United has increased the cost of tickets for members to £66 and eliminated concession prices. This decision has been met with disappointment by the supporters' trust, which worries that this is just the beginning of a larger price hike next season. The move is part of co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's strategy to make United more financially stable amid ongoing losses. Previously, tickets for adults started at £40 and £25 for children. Of the seats available to members for the remainder of the season, 97% have already been sold, and the revenue from the price increase is expected to be in the low millions of pounds.
In the long run, Ratcliffe believes that more prudent investment in the football operation is the key to making United financially sound. The club's debt currently stands at £714m, including non-current borrowings of £481.7m and current borrowings of £232.3m. The latter increased from £36.5m in June's end-of-year accounts due to United's revolving credit facility, which provides access to short-term finance and is understood to fluctuate throughout the year.
A statement from the Manchester United Supporters Trust in response to the ticket price changes said: "The club has provided no consultation on this matter, neither with the forum nor the Fan Advisory Board nor MUST. We were simply informed of the decision that price rises affecting certain fans are 'urgently needed' to address profitability and sustainability concerns." They also expressed concern that this could be the first step towards a significant price increase next season, questioning whether the club would revert to the old pricing levels once fans have become accustomed to the new, higher rates.
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