Tickets for the highly anticipated Manchester Derby on Sunday are being sold at significantly lower prices following backlash from fans over previous price hikes. Manchester United have reportedly almost halved their ticket prices after struggling to sell out the fixture.
The decision to lower prices comes after the club increased ticket rates for members earlier in the season to £66, a move that was widely unpopular among supporters. The removal of concessions for senior citizens and children further exacerbated discontent, leading to widespread criticism and protests.
Fans have voiced their frustration with a series of demonstrations against the club’s ownership. Thousands turned up before the recent match against Arsenal to express their dissatisfaction, and another protest is planned for Sunday’s clash against Manchester City. A sit-in is expected to take place at Old Trafford after the match, reflecting the growing tension between supporters and the club’s management.
In response to the backlash, Manchester United have now reduced ticket prices for the derby to £40 and reintroduced concessions at £25. Additionally, the club has lowered ticket prices for members for the remainder of the season. This move is seen as an attempt to fill the stadium after the increased prices initially failed to attract the expected number of fans.
Fan group The 1958 has been at the forefront of protests against the ownership. Alongside breakaway club FC United, they staged a joint demonstration last Saturday, continuing their campaign against the club’s management.
On Sunday, supporters plan to stay in their seats after the match in protest, reminiscent of a similar demonstration in August 2023 when thousands refused to leave the stadium following a game against Nottingham Forest. The aim is to send a clear message to the club’s executives that fans will not be priced out of their seats.
Chris Haymes, a representative of The 1958, emphasized the importance of the sit-in protest. He highlighted concerns that around 7,000 elderly supporters and those eligible for concessions might not renew their season tickets due to the financial burden. He urged fans to reclaim their rightful place in the stadium and resist being forced out by rising costs.
The supporters’ group has expressed concerns that the club is in a state of decline, both on and off the pitch, and places the blame on the current ownership model. They view the situation as one of the most significant crises the club has faced in recent history.
Before the much-anticipated derby, Manchester United will travel to Nottingham Forest for a midweek clash. The club currently sits in 13th place in the Premier League, struggling to meet expectations this season.
In a positive development for manager Ruben Amorim, several key players, including Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, and Leny Yoro, have returned to training. Their availability could provide a much-needed boost ahead of the challenging fixtures ahead.
With ticket prices reduced and protests set to continue, Sunday’s Manchester Derby will be about more than just football. It will serve as a platform for fans to make their voices heard in the ongoing battle over the future of their club.
