United fans demand price cuts

Two years ago, United pegged prices and only raised them this year due to an increase in VAT. It is anticipated the club will announce next season's prices later this month.

Manchester United Supporters' Trust chief executive Duncan Drasdo said: "Given the lack of squad investment while huge revenues are coming in and the Glazers' constantly dipping into the club's bank account, it is long overdue that the loyal supporters received a cut in their ticket prices."

"We are throwing down a challenge to (joint-chairman) Joel Glazer to cut United fans' season ticket prices next season," he said.

But it seems unlikely MUST will get their wish. With the Red Devils steamrollering their way towards a 20th league title - and a fifth in six seasons - demand at Old Trafford remains high, with 52,000 season ticket holders.

In addition, while the commercial department are having to work hard to sell their executive seats, the club have managed to reach 8,000 capacity for the first time.

Under such circumstances, and with revenue falling in the second half of this season due to an early exit from Europe, it is hard to see why the Glazer family would feel it necessary to cut prices.

The amount of money spent on players has been the subject of intense scrutiny by some sections of the United support. Rival clubs have spent more, but the Red Devils hierarchy point to Chelsea's purchase of Fernando Torres for ?50million and Andy Carroll's arrival at Liverpool for £35million as proof money does not buy success.

Indeed, two of the more notable purchases of Sir Alex Ferguson's time in charge, £28million for Juan Sebastian Veron and a club record ?30.75million on Dimitar Berbatov, have been qualified successes at best, while United's stunning recent successes suggest Ferguson's preference to invest in youth is working.

"Only the incredible efforts of Sir Alex Ferguson have allowed us to remain competitive in the Premier League - at times it feels like he is dragging the team towards a 20th League title by sheer willpower alone," Drasdo said.

Source: PA

Source: PA