Manchester United have announced major changes to their season ticket policy for next season under new boss Erik ten Hag.
The reform of the season ticket policy means United fans with season tickets will no longer be obliged to buy tickets for all FA Cup and Champions League home games. Under the new scheme, which was agreed upon after consultation with fans, season ticket holders will be able to opt in or out of each of the cup competitions.
The changes have been made following discussions with the Manchester United Fans’ Advisory Board (FAB) and Fans’ Forum, whose members have worked closely with the club in recent months. Under the new rules to be introduced for next season, fans will have the choice of a Premier League-only Season Ticket, with the option to add FA Cup, Carabao Cup and European tickets on a competition-by-competition basis.
Season ticket holders who opt out of a competition will be able to apply for cup tickets on a match-by-match basis, subject to availability, alongside official members. A cup season ticket will also be introduced for the first time, guaranteeing access to all cup games at Old Trafford for official members.
Next season will also see the launch of a ticket buy-back scheme, allowing fans to sell unwanted season tickets back to the club on a match-by-match basis where there is demand. Collette Roche, Manchester United's Chief Operating Officer, said: “When the Fans’ Advisory Board asked us to review our season ticket policies, we were pleased to work with them to explore options for providing fans with more choice and flexibility.
"We recognise that not all season ticket holders are able to attend every home game over the course of the season, and given the high demand, we want to increase the opportunities for official members to access seats that would otherwise go unused.
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"We have listened to fans’ opinions and worked closely with the FAB and Fans’ Forum to agree reforms that will allow each season ticket holder to choose the option that works best for them. We believe this new offer provides flexibility and fairness for both our season ticket holders and Official Members.”
The FAB comprises seven fan representatives and six senior club leaders and meets four times a year for dialogue on strategic issues. It operates in tandem with the larger Fans’ Forum, which focuses on match-day and operational matters.
Roche said: “In the past year, we have set up the FAB, expanded the Fans’ Forum, and appointed our first head of fan engagement. These efforts are already resulting in tangible benefits for fans, and we’re grateful for the work of the fan representatives in helping deliver these positive changes.”
