Ticket Prices

[carlyluvsunited]

Everything must reach saturation point with it's price ...

A point where you have made it so expensive - it just wont sell !

So what do you guys think is saturation point for Manchester United tickets out of
interest ?

As I said before, in a league table of ticket prices United are 10th most expensive.

Teams like Reading and Chelsea, Spurs and Portsmouth charge a lot more than
United.

I think you would agree United is the best team to watch right now.

It's quite safe to say Old Trafford is the best stadium by far.

What I mean is, if you go to see United play - you are getting the best of the
best. You have the best players in front of you. You are surrounded by the best
facilities money can buy......

At United you get the best of the best and pay less than the rest.

You have "League Champions Entertainment" at "10th place" prices.

So tell me ...

What is a fair price ?

How much do you think you should pay ?

Bear in mind the salaries alone stand at £100 Million per annum.

This represents 43% of United's income - which is actually quite low considering
United forecast 50% income expenditure for salaries - but that's another story.

Also bear in mind that every football club is a business and they always have
been.

They need cash to operate - obviously - and they must balance the books to
make a profit or go out of existance.

This is not a 'modern phenomenon' that suddenly since Sky TV turned up, or
American owners turned up, all of a sudden football is a business. It always has
been and always will be.

So pretend you are the owner of United - you have to get the very best players
here, or the fans will turn on you.

You have to make the best stadium or they will give you a hard time.

They want the best manager and best coaches.

A new training ground with all the modern hi-tech equipment.

Oh and 1st class flights all over Europe along with penthouse accomodation in
hotels on arrival. The best quality catering and hospitality packages for the
players.

Oh while we're on the subject add on 220 staff inside the stadium to keep it
running smoothly.

You need to give £3 million every year to charity.

Then there are a few extras like security, policing, outside catering, huge
overheads on the stadium from Manchester City Council (councils always punish
business people for taxes ;) ) and God only knows what other expenditure to
keep United at the top where the fans demand they should be.

Don't forget also ... every single one of the above costs will go up and up, year in
year out - as do prices of everything else.

Yes it is expensive isn't it ?

The game has changed over the last 5 years alone, never mind 20, 30 and 50
years !

Time waits for no one.

Times change ... you either keep up with it or you drop by the wayside it's as
simple as that !!

As the owner, having paid all that cash out - can you see your way to just
charging the same price you did back in errmmmm maybe 1980 or 1982 ....

We'd appreciate that thanks ... ;)

[Red Devil]

United gross over £3m per game on the gate.

[carlyluvsunited]

United gross over £3m per game on the gate.
Net ... ?

[Red Devil]

Unsure, but its totalling £57m gross a year, not counting FA Cup, CC cup and CL home games. AND an away percentage too.

[Stephen]

The London based clubs charge more for ticket prices because the London income is much higher than those which earn in the North. Londoners are richer than Mancunians based on income. Well known fact, as it costs more to live in London than the North.

So you can't really count being "10th" as a good thing.

Carly, from what I've read from your post, it seems you are pleased about the high ticket prices. How?

Thousands of reds, who have been attending United since the barren years and before that, have been priced out and cannot attend United games because of the price hikes.

14% increase last season, carley. 14%. Explain that. More price hikes expected and predicted for this season.

Oh, and where did you copy this from?

[carlyluvsunited]

The London based clubs charge more for ticket prices because the London income is much higher than those which earn in the North. Londoners are richer than Mancunians based on income. Well known fact, as it costs more to live in London than the North.

So you can't really count being "10th" as a good thing.

Carly, from what I've read from your post, it seems you are pleased about the high ticket prices. How?

Thousands of reds, who have been attending United since the barren years and before that, have been priced out and cannot attend United games because of the price hikes.

14% increase last season, carley. 14%. Explain that. More price hikes expected and predicted for this season.

Oh, and where did you copy this from?
I don't have any views on the prices - I don't know how they work it out - I just wrote this as a bit of fun and to ask a serious question that's all ... :)

[Stephen]

I don't have any views on the prices - I don't know how they work it out - I just wrote this as a bit of fun and to ask a serious question that's all ... :)
Bit of fun to ask a serious question?

How can you make fun of the topic of this?

Like someone else said elsewhere; "it doesn't affect me, I don't care."

[Red Devil]

No need to argue over it, it solves nothing. Carly has made a point. I too am one frozen out of OT over prices hikes, I cannot afford it anymore.

[carlyluvsunited]

Bit of fun to ask a serious question?

How can you make fun of the topic of this?

Like someone else said elsewhere; "it doesn't affect me, I don't care."

Oh here we go again - moan, moan, moan. Look I told you why I wrote this - if you don't like it go away !! Read a different thread. Simple. Thankyou.

[Stephen]

Oh here we go again - moan, moan, moan. Look I told you why I wrote this - if you don't like it go away !! Read a different thread. Simple. Thankyou.
Moan, Moan, Moan?!

What you gonna do, close the thread again 'cos it isn't supporting the point you made?

Or you gonna ban me, because I have an opinion? My OWN opinion?

I "moan" over threads that I feel are quite close to me; I couldn't give two wags over Giggs going to Sunderland because it's never going to happen in a million years.

Ticket prices have affected the majority of United's support over the past few decades, and no doubt more and more of United's support is gonna be priced out of paying £50-a-week per ticket.

This gets back to the Glazer family takeover, which has ripped the soul of United in two.

Moan? What do you expect me to do? Agree with yet another thread full of bull?

[haggler]

The London based clubs charge more for ticket prices because the London income is much higher than those which earn in the North. Londoners are richer than Mancunians based on income. Well known fact, as it costs more to live in London than the North.

So you can't really count being "10th" as a good thing.

Carly, from what I've read from your post, it seems you are pleased about the high ticket prices. How?

Thousands of reds, who have been attending United since the barren years and before that, have been priced out and cannot attend United games because of the price hikes.

14% increase last season, carley. 14%. Explain that. More price hikes expected and predicted for this season.

Oh, and where did you copy this from?whenever you go abroad the place is filled with northerners with cash to burn coz they paid far less for the house they live in beer is cheaper everything costs less yet wages do not differ that much though . football pricing is now aligned with a night out at the theatre . we can whine and moan as much as we like the only way prices will drop is if players take huge wage cuts . if club did that they would be off to milan or barca etc . we can debate this till cows come home and it will change nowt . as carly said prices are average while product is great . and why are people digging about copying and pasting ? if a post is interesting why should you care if the poster didnt type it ?

[carlyluvsunited]

You accuse ME of being pleased about it.

You ask ME why the 14% increase ...

You ask ME where I copied it from.

It's not about me - or the style I wrote it in - or if I copy/pasted it.

Stick to the topic .. I wrote it in a light hearted manner because I chose to.

As I said to you already - if you don't like it - go away and read something else.

Obviously not so simple as you didn't understand first time :rolleyes:

[stretty]

My season ticket equates to about £25 per match , it is in the lower stretford end , this is great value for money.
But united just keep upping the prices as and when they feel like it , they go up for every round in the champions league etc , i dont think they need to do that , by virtue of the fact its another sell out and another home match they do not need to hike the price up.
last year with the cup runs it cost me well over a grand (my ticket was twice the price) that was expensive .
next year i think they are going to charge us all for 6 cup matches in advance when we renew our tickets at the start of next season, which is total robbery.
the compulsory purchase scheme was bad enough , but now they are taking the p**s .
The old scheme was okay , i could choose what matches i wanted and apply for them , this used to give other reds a chance to see united who otherwise wouldnt.
Anyway carly sorry about the moaning , but it is a touchy subject with all united supporters

[Stephen]

whenever you go abroad the place is filled with northerners with cash to burn coz they paid far less for the house they live in beer is cheaper everything costs less yet wages do not differ that much though . football pricing is now aligned with a night out at the theatre . we can whine and moan as much as we like the only way prices will drop is if players take huge wage cuts . if club did that they would be off to milan or barca etc . we can debate this till cows come home and it will change nowt . as carly said prices are average while product is great . and why are people digging about copying and pasting ? if a post is interesting why should you care if the poster didnt type it ?
Because whenever we copy/paste something we get crucified for it, saying that the forum could get into trouble. One rule for one, another for another.

[Stephen]

You accuse ME of being pleased about it.

You ask ME why the 14% increase ...

You ask ME where I copied it from.

It's not about me - or the style I wrote it in - or if I copy/pasted it.

Stick to the topic .. I wrote it in a light hearted manner because I chose to.

As I said to you already - if you don't like it - go away and read something else.

Obviously not so simple as you didn't understand first time :rolleyes:
Becuase you made the thread thinking you know it all.

By saying "it doesn't affect me, so I don't care" was not what I think. It's what is the general thoughts around certain places and people. I care about United fans, we're all red, we're all one, we're all in the United family.

Light-hearted? The topic is not light-hearted at all.

[carlyluvsunited]

Becuase you made the thread thinking you know it all.

By saying "it doesn't affect me, so I don't care" was not what I think. It's what is the general thoughts around certain places and people. I care about United fans, we're all red, we're all one, we're all in the United family.

Light-hearted? The topic is not light-hearted at all.
I made the thread so people can discuss it. I used the facts I knew of course.
Everything else I didn't know - I asked for people to comment on. You assuming
I wrote it "knowing it all" is something you have decided and certainly not what I
felt as I wrote it.

"It doesn't affect me, so I don't care" - you seem to have voices inside your
head !! Can you do me the small favour of showing me where I wrote that
please ?

Did I say the topic is light hearted ?

No. Sorry wrong again.

Did I say I wrote it in alight hearted manner ?

Yes I did.

Now stop making up silly little arguments inside your head - grow up and stick to
the topic.

For the THIRD time - if you don't like it - go away and read something else.

This/you are getting very, very boring now !

[haggler]

Because whenever we copy/paste something we get crucified for it, saying that the forum could get into trouble. One rule for one, another for another.good point well made. as i have never cut or pasted anything bar jokes i havent been warned not to . and the point i think is if everything went up at the rate of 16 per cent we would be stringing brown up . the anger also stems from the niggling thought that its being used to finance the debt for the glazers and if we were a plc they would not rise as much . when you look at the latest tv deal they should be letting fans in for nothing

[Stephen]

I made the thread so people can discuss it. I used the facts I knew of course.
Everything else I didn't know - I asked for people to comment on. You assuming
I wrote it "knowing it all" is something you have decided and certainly not what I
felt as I wrote it.

"It doesn't affect me, so I don't care" - you seem to have voices inside your
head !! Can you do me the small favour of showing me where I wrote that
please ?

Did I say the topic is light hearted ?

No. Sorry wrong again.

Did I say I wrote it in alight hearted manner ?

Yes I did.

Now stop making up silly little arguments inside your head - grow up and stick to
the topic.

For the THIRD time - if you don't like it - go away and read something else.

This/you are getting very, very boring now !
What's getting very boring?

Me having an opinion?

[Stephen]

good point well made. as i have never cut or pasted anything bar jokes i havent been warned not to . and the point i think is if everything went up at the rate of 16 per cent we would be stringing brown up . the anger also stems from the niggling thought that its being used to finance the debt for the glazers and if we were a plc they would not rise as much . when you look at the latest tv deal they should be letting fans in for nothing

Exactly, agree 100%.

The problem with supporting a club of this stature and size of MUFC is that for every fan that gets priced-out/leaves, then there is ALWAYS someone else to step in.

Which is why no boycott or any anti-ticket price-rise protests will work. There are too many people who go United nowadays who haven't a clue what United stand for, or stand on.

Sad really.

[carlyluvsunited]

What's getting very boring?

Me having an opinion?
Sadly the 'opinion' as you put it - that you have, has nothing to do with the
thread.

It's just a non-stop stream of "assumptions" and words you are trying to put into
my mouth.

You're guessing, making it up as you go, making odd accusations etc etc ...

Now that is very boring.

I'll make it even simpler for you.

Ignore my first post.

I'll rewrite you your own 'special' version here. One you can't moan and whinge about.

Here we go ...

Ticket Prices.

Let's talk about it.

There you go, how's that ?

Really interesting and fun to read I'm sure you agree.

This forum even gives Personalised threads too ... ;)

Pretty damn good huh

[real_fan]

Moan, Moan, Moan?!

What you gonna do, close the thread again 'cos it isn't supporting the point you made?

Or you gonna ban me, because I have an opinion? My OWN opinion?

I "moan" over threads that I feel are quite close to me; I couldn't give two wags over Giggs going to Sunderland because it's never going to happen in a million years.

Ticket prices have affected the majority of United's support over the past few decades, and no doubt more and more of United's support is gonna be priced out of paying £50-a-week per ticket.

This gets back to the Glazer family takeover, which has ripped the soul of United in two.

Moan? What do you expect me to do? Agree with yet another thread full of bull?

spot on mate

people who say

"oh its football these days tickets are going up everywhere"

well im sorry to dissapoint you but they are not

just because united are having a great season on the pitch, off it we are in turmoil

we made something like 60million this year which is nothing, then we spend all that on 1 years intrest of this massive 660 million quid debt

dont belive the **** that the club will say, its clear to see

uniteds ticket prices are going up further and further and will never stop or freeze,

a large % of the loyal die hard reds most local cant afford to go or wont go out of principle (i full understand why) and they are being replaced by execs who can afford it, therefore making the atmosphere week in week out very poor.

fc united are making great progress and next year thousands will be joining them :(

on the pitch we are seeing the best football played in years

off it, our club has died and been replaced by a corparate machine

end of

[Stephen]

Sadly the 'opinion' as you put it - that you have, has nothing to do with the
thread.

It's just a non-stop stream of "assumptions" and words you are trying to put into
my mouth.

You're guessing, making it up as you go, making odd accusations etc etc ...

Now that is very boring.

I'll make it even simpler for you.

Ignore my first post.

I'll rewrite you your own 'special' version here. One you can't moan and whinge about.

Here we go ...

Ticket Prices.

Let's talk about it.

There you go, how's that ?

Really interesting and fun to read I'm sure you agree.

This forum even gives Personalised threads too ... ;)

Pretty damn good huh
Hehe, patronising lil twert aren't ya.

I have an opinion on the ticket prices. Which is what this thread is about.

[carlyluvsunited]

good point well made. as i have never cut or pasted anything bar jokes i havent been warned not to
Don't be drawn into this Haggler, it's all nonsense and Stephen seems hell bent
on embrassing himself which, so far, he is doing a fine job of doing.

If he can show me one example of anyone being 'crucified' as he puts it - then fair
enough.

No one has ever been crucified about it - they have been asked to add the source
of the information and a mention for the author.

We have had some problems with copyright stuff recntly and we are trying to
assess the best way to deal with this.

Stephen seems to like it to sound all dramatic and over the top.

[Stephen]

Don't be drawn into this Haggler, it's all nonsense and Stephen seems hell bent
on embrassing himself which, so far, he is doing a fine job of doing.

If he can show me one example of anyone being 'crucified' as he puts it - then fair
enough.

No one has ever been crucified about it - they have been asked to add the source
of the information and a mention for the author.

We have had some problems with copyright stuff recntly and we are trying to
assess the best way to deal with this.

Stephen seems to like it to sound all dramatic and over the top.
Yet you go and copy and paste from articles across the board and claim them as your own.

I proved that you copied one from the Start and the Sun about Neville; then another user said you copied something from UWS.

You tell us that to add a source to any copied material, if not then the forum could get into trouble. Fair does if this is true, but why doesn't apply to everyone.

[carlyluvsunited]

Yet you go and copy and paste from articles across the board and claim them as your own.

I proved that you copied one from the Start and the Sun about Neville; then another user said you copied something from UWS.

You tell us that to add a source to any copied material, if not then the forum could get into trouble. Fair does if this is true, but why doesn't apply to everyone.*yawn*

Because we have not made a hard and fast ruling on copy/pasting etc etc - today
it has been done in the Man Utd chat forum and yesterday - did we say
anything ?

No we didn't - you are again making it up as you go ...

Once we do make a decision then of course we will ALL follow the rules.

Right now though we are not making a big deal of it ...

So where did we crucify anyone ?

Show me ...

It's only you making the big deal of it.

[Stephen]

*yawn*

Because we have not made a hard and fast ruling on copy/pasting etc etc - today
it has been done in the Man Utd chat forum and yesterday - did we say
anything ?

No we didn't - you are again making it up as you go ...

Once we do make a decision then of course we will ALL follow the rules.

Right now though we are not making a big deal of it ...

So where did we crucify anyone ?

Show me ...

It's only you making the big deal of it.
You just chat **** carly. This admin rights gone to your head.

You copied and paste from website x, paste here with no reference.
I copy from website y, paste here and get told to put a link to an article, otherwise the forum blows up.

It's not that I'm moaning about, it's that it's one rule for one, another for another.

Then you have the Liverpool threads made by yourself yesterday, why delete them? One of the better debates on here for a long while.

Does my head in that this forum has to be so correct in everything. EVERY other forum I am on is so different to these. The admins are lenient and are on a level with the members, only there to make sure the forum is running smothley, and not there to boss people about.

I believe the aim of this forum is to be the best United forum on the net? Correct me if I'm wrong.

Long way to go yet.

[real_fan]

agreed im used to abit for lenient posting

also none of this goody goody atitude where you cant have ago at man united or else your an idiot

loads of copy and pasting does my head in, cause its not your opinion its nicked, plus its crap anyway

giggs to sunderland..............

BREAKING NEWS

FERGIE SACKED HES GONE TO DERBY

WE HAVE KEVIN KEEGAN

[fazman]

Yet you go and copy and paste from articles across the board and claim them as your own.

I proved that you copied one from the Start and the Sun about Neville; then another user said you copied something from UWS.

You tell us that to add a source to any copied material, if not then the forum could get into trouble. Fair does if this is true, but why doesn't apply to everyone.


are you a bully to women pick on me stephen stop makin people angry ive been there it gets you noticed but it takes ages to get rid of the stigma be cool and chill out give your view and dont make me or anyone angry

[carlyluvsunited]

You just chat **** carly. This admin rights gone to your head.

You copied and paste from website x, paste here with no reference.
I copy from website y, paste here and get told to put a link to an article, otherwise the forum blows up.

It's not that I'm moaning about, it's that it's one rule for one, another for another.

Then you have the Liverpool threads made by yourself yesterday, why delete them? One of the better debates on here for a long while.

Does my head in that this forum has to be so correct in everything. EVERY other forum I am on is so different to these. The admins are lenient and are on a level with the members, only there to make sure the forum is running smothley, and not there to boss people about.

I believe the aim of this forum is to be the best United forum on the net? Correct me if I'm wrong.

Long way to go yet.
Well it's only you that is moaning about it.

Everyone I have explained the copyright stuff to and links/sources etc etc ...
has agreed it's a good idea.

As I already said - we aren't making a firm decision etc etc etc go read it again.

Every member has the right to delete their own threads if they choose to ...

I chose to - and don't need a reason for it either, sorry.

We have a forum here where the members can post any problems or grievance
they may have - and we encourage them to use it ... myself especially - as can be
seen in the thread asking for ideas for the development of this site........but itis
hardly used - nobody has any problems - if they do we make sure it is sorted out
quickly for them.....

it's only you who has the problems.

And you post them all in the middle of a thread that has nothing to do with any of
it !!

Now this one is a waste of time as well......nice !

Oooh I nearly forgot ...

Watch your language please - 1st warning ;)

[Stephen]

are you a bully to women pick on me stephen stop makin people angry ive been there it gets you noticed but it takes ages to get rid of the stigma be cool and chill out give your view and dont make me or anyone angry
If you act like a dick then I'll say it.

Carly has made posts which are laughable and I disagree with.
If you or another member made posts of the same nature then I'll reply to them with whatever nature they deserve.

I mean, Giggs to Sunderland.

[haggler]

and rather than let this turn into a slanging match why not delete this one too ?

[Stephen]

and rather than let this turn into a slanging match why not delete this one too ?
And every other one on the board!!! :D

Now Carly, this is a thread which deserves closing or deleting. It's way off topic and adds nothing to the forum.

The Liverpool threads yesterday, however, were a good discussion and I was enjoying listening to (or reading :D) everyone else's views. I cannot get my head around why that was posted.

[fazman]

If you act like a dick then I'll say it.

Carly has made posts which are laughable and I disagree with.
If you or another member made posts of the same nature then I'll reply to them with whatever nature they deserve.

I mean, Giggs to Sunderland.


look you fool not everyone has the same knowledge as others you have to get used to that . I went through the same thing it takes gettin used to not everyone follows footy in and out but they like to chat so they come on here to talk about it .

and if you want to call me a xxck then pm me and we will chat that way

[Stephen]

look you fool not everyone has the same knowledge as others you have to get used to that . I went through the same thing it takes gettin used to not everyone follows footy in and out but they like to chat so they come on here to talk about it .

and if you want to call me a xxck then pm me and we will chat that way
Yeah, not saying that though am I?

I haven't said, yeah you called Scholes rubbish so you're not a top red. For example.

It's pure idioticy that I don't get.

[haggler]

If you act like a dick then I'll say it.

Carly has made posts which are laughable and I disagree with.
If you or another member made posts of the same nature then I'll reply to them with whatever nature they deserve.

I mean, Giggs to Sunderland.that one could come back and bite you on the botty as keano is turning the mackems into the united retirement home ! i mean if its goos enough for the buck toothed jordan boffer that we know and love as the yorkie bar kid why not giggsy ? another thread i read said giggs was taking his fa coaching badges and utd had offered him role similar to ollies at club so you pay your money and you take your choice i suppose .

[burnzy1987]

i think carly has touched on a subject which some members find abit...erm...tender?!

im not getting involved as its nothing to do with me(nor other members)........SO!!!

BACK ON TOPIC!

ticket prices suck.
like people have said, there will always be more fillings seats at OT with the size of the club!
i don't go that often just a handful of games a season, and it annoys me that it costs what it costs.
which is why i can relate to ST holders who pay all of it up front and then a possibility of paying 6 games upfront for acs is MADNESS!!
im on the waiting list for an ST but im getting a bad feeling about it all......

[haggler]

ok i see some cash earning potential here !!! we have for your delight a catchweight contest . in the red corner we have fighting out of wales via transylvania the beast from the east cccccaaaaaaaaaaaaaarlyyyyy

and in the other red corner hailing from parts unknown he says what he sees the manchester mauler stephen .

ok boys and girls no kneeing in nad sack or funching the lady bits this is a three knockdown fight the bell will not save you . i will manage you both and only take ten per cent of the take . i can get the winner a match up with abo and the loser a job on the railway . ladies an gennnnnelman place your bets

[Jazz 16]

Calm Down, Calm Down people.

http://www.ultimatepartyshop.com/shopimages/products/normal/96777.jpg

Can we try stick to the topic from now on. If you have something off topic
to say then use the pm system or say it in the support and feedback section.
Tis quite simple really.

[fazman]

Yeah, not saying that though am I?

I haven't said, yeah you called Scholes rubbish so you're not a top red. For example.

It's pure idioticy that I don't get.

who the hell gives you the right to say im a top red or not im older than you been to hundreds of games i can have my view . I said I love scholes but he isnt in my strongest eleven anymore my view Im not bothered whether you think im a top red to be honest I dont know u

[Red Devil]

REMEMBER: What you read is not always what was WRITTEN. Verify before attack - always.

[reddwarf]

REMEMBER: What you read is not always what was WRITTEN. Verify before attack - always.

Spot on. I've been guilty of that in the past, it's easily done, and unfortunately it's happened on this thread too...

Anyway, as for the topic of ticket prices - I currently try to attend at least 1 game per month. With the cost of the ticket, travel and getting drunk :D it can cost well over £100 for the day out and I can't be doing that too often!

I've been to 8 games this season and that alone will have cost me close to £1000 when I add up all the expenses and I'm still hoping to get to 1 or 2 more games (I've applied for West Ham and Barca).

I've thought about getting a season ticket for the last couple of years but to be totally honest football is not my only passion and buying a season ticket would basically mean giving up the other sporting events I attend and not buying as many computer games, DVD's etc so I've decided to just stick with the One United membership.

[real_fan]

you do right mate

for games like kiev bolton etc.. there as been many empty seats un sold that is

it will get worse for the small games

people only turn up for the big games !

[Stephen]

who the hell gives you the right to say im a top red or not im older than you been to hundreds of games i can have my view . I said I love scholes but he isnt in my strongest eleven anymore my view Im not bothered whether you think im a top red to be honest I dont know u
Haven't called you a non-top red.

I don't believe in all this top rediness.

I said it as an example to contracdict your previous comment.

I didn't say that you called Scholes rubbish, btw.

[united1980]

Can i just add to this discussion about season tickets. I have been a season ticket holder for 9 years now and i cant see myself renewing next season. This year my ticket cost £722 plus £38 per cup game. Then u have the knockout stage of cl @ between £38 & £48. This is all money united take when they want and if its not in ur account u dont get in league games which u have paid for already They are talkin next year of up to 30% increase u o the math, old trafford is not the same place anymore

[haggler]

silly price rise in current economic climate but they obviously have plenty on a waiting list . the thing seems to be the normal working man will be priced out for the management class . the minute the club stop performing on the field they will be off like a shot and the traditional supporter base will have been alienated .

football was blue collar worker sport but its now white collar .

my days of going regularly are long gone due to shifts and family and finance but its now getting silly when the long standing season ticket holder is being alienated .

why they could not reward loyalty with price capped to inflation is beyond me as gate reciepts should not be only consideration .

trouble is when you tie your colours to the mast you cant swap . its not like mcdonalds burger costing 119 and bk 99p go to burger king and they well know it .

[SALFORD RED]

Fans' fury over Euro tickets
Paul R Taylor
19/ 4/2008


HEARTBROKEN Manchester United season ticket holders have slammed the club after missing out on tickets for the Champions League semi-final.


All the fans with the one-year passes received letters from the club last week telling them they would not automatically be allocated tickets.

They had expected to keep their Old Trafford seats after being obliged to pay more than £300 for less glamorous cup ties through the club's controversial 'automatic cup scheme'.

But the club has had to provide a number of tickets to European football's governing body Uefa - more than it did for the quarter final tie against Roma.

Also, larger advertising boards, increased press facilities and marketing needs have limited space within the ground, and some full season ticket holders have been relocated as a result.

The fans were invited to apply for other tickets through a ballot system, but only 75 per cent were successful.

Mike Wray, 21, from Dukinfield, said: "This is just a joke. I'm a lifelong supporter of Man United, red through and through.

"I was absolutely mortified and disgusted when I received a letter explaining that I will not get a ticket for the Champions League game against Barcelona - the biggest game of the season.

Compulsory

United's automatic cup scheme makes it compulsory for season ticket holders to buy tickets for all home cup matches. It can add more than £390 to the cost of the most expensive season ticket.

Money is debited from fans' accounts, sometimes only minutes after the draw has been made.

Mike and his brother Gavin, 25, both paid £700 for their season tickets and the club has taken £300 from each of them for cup games.

"Bear in mind, I'm an apprentice engineer and this is a large portion of my salary," said Mike.

"We pay for the League Cup matches, but when it comes to the really big games, we're not allocated tickets.

"I applied through the ballot but didn't get a ticket, neither did my brother.

"I do love this club but I think next year I will be watching my local team Stalybridge instead."

Letter

The letter breaking the bad news, from ticket general manager Steven Hall, says ticket stubs from the Barcelona game will not be needed for any future priority sales.

But some disappointed fans don't believe there is enough give and take by the club.

Simon Royce, 46, from Chorlton, said: "I got to Old Trafford with two friends and we applied for tickets through the ballot after getting the letter but were all unsuccessful.

"We're all very annoyed. I've been going to Old Trafford since 1981 and have been a season ticket holder for two years.

"It has really riled us, because basically our understanding of the auto cup scheme was that we agreed to buy the home cup tickets and we would get a seat for these matches. "On this occasion, it seems to be that we agreed to buy the tickets, but they don't necessarily agree to give us a seat. There's no give and take. "

Legal action

The Manchester United Supporters' Trust (MUST) is considering taking legal action over the automatic cup scheme.

Sean Bones, vice chairman of MUST, said: "The Glazers (the club's owners) can force you to buy League Cup tickets against Coventry, but in the small print, they can also deny you a ticket against Arsenal in the FA Cup or Barcelona. "This has not gone down well with the fans. Personally, I don't think this is the club Sir Matt Busby helped build, where the supporters came first."

A spokesperson for Manchester United said: "Over 75 per cent were successful (in the ballot).

"We have tried to accommodate as many as possible, but it does say in the terms and conditions that cup tickets are not guaranteed.

"We understand the disappointment this will cause. Uefa are entitled to more tickets than the Roma match because it is a semi-final."

The one-year season tickets were introduced two years ago to help tackle waiting lists for full season tickets.

Tickets for fixture are currently available on internet sites, ranging in price from £290 for a seat to £540 including corporate hospitality.

No one from Uefa was available to comment.


.Source, Manchester Evening News.

[spellbound]

They had expected to keep their Old Trafford seats after being obliged to pay more than £300 for less glamorous cup ties through the club's controversial 'automatic cup scheme'.


Its not a family happening at OT. Thanks for the reminder of why I cancelled everything where the club can earn money on me more then they are already. :mad:

[Red Devil]

Another tip, never use the Megastore. I went in ONCE, with my daughter, to show her around. I asked for a red devil doll to hang in my car.

"Er, we dont sell those"

"Hang on, this is United, The Red Devils"

"Er, but we do not sell Red Devils; but you can have a "fred the Red""


AAAAGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!

If anyone out there is looking for a lucrative sideline, selling RED DEVIL dolls outside the ground will earn you mega bucks!!!

(Oh and voodoo dolls of shearer too!" ;)