Source:REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff
[Saba Sports News] According to British media reports, Manchester United has announced another ticket price increase, this time for a youth academy match held at Old Trafford. The report states that Manchester United’s U21 youth team will host Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford on September 24 for the Premier League International Cup. The adult ticket price for this match has been raised to £10, three times the original price, while children’s tickets are priced at £5. Last November, when Manchester United hosted a U19 youth team match against AZ Alkmaar at the “Theatre of Dreams,” adult tickets were sold for only £3, and children’s tickets for £1.5. This means that the total cost for one adult and one child to attend the match back then was £4.5, whereas the same ticket combination for the match against Bilbao now costs £15-a staggering 233% increase. Unlike last year’s price hike, which sparked outrage, fan reactions this time are divided. One fan wrote, “Matches like these should be free! £10 is a joke. I hope the stadium is empty.” However, another fan commented, “The pricing is fine; it’s just a few pounds.” Manchester United’s U21 youth team typically plays its league home matches at the Leigh Sports Village, located 13 miles away from Old Trafford, and such matches have historically been free to attend. Since Ratcliffe acquired a minority stake in Manchester United last year, price increases and layoffs have continued to stir controversy.