Man Utd increase cost of tickets

Manchester United have bucked the trend of most Premier League clubs by increasing the cost of season tickets by £1 per game for next term.

The most expensive ticket will now cost £49 per match with the cheapest £27.

But United feel the interest to watch Sir Alex Ferguson's side and the quality on show, justifies their move.

"We think the prices are good value for fans, given the quality of the players on show and the facilities," United spokesman Phil Townsend told BBC Sport.

"The club has set its prices for next season with the background of rejecting an average of 5,430 applications for each Premier League game."

Earlier in April, the Glazer family, who own Manchester United, revealed debts of £650m.

Manchester United supporters have previously voiced their concerns that they will be the ones to suffer as the Glazers look to keep up with interest repayments on the club's mountainous debt.

"It has been said in the past that the owners of the club will squeeze United supporters until the pips squeak and this is clearly the case," said Sean Bones, vice-chairman of the Manchester United Supporters Trust.

"Earlier in the year, the government gave a 2.5% reduction on the price of VAT on tickets.

"The Glazers have absorbed this benefit and added more increases on top."

West Ham, Everton, Sunderland, Manchester City, Newcastle and Portsmouth are six Premier League clubs who have introduced a variety of ticket price reductions for next season to help fans through the recession.

While five others, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Chelsea, Hull City and Arsenal have announced a price freeze on season tickets for next term.

The move is not just restricted to the Premier League with several Football League clubs following suit.

On Monday Manchester United, under pressure from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), agreed to revise their season ticket policies to make them fairer for fans.

A season ticket will now ensure a seat at all home league and cup games while the club has also dropped its "One Year Only" ticket.

United can also continue their controversial Automatic Cup Scheme (ACS), which means season ticket holders are required to purchase tickets for cup games, by automatic direct debit, whether they want them or not.