Source: Daily_Mail
Manchester United fans hit in the pocket as club ignores credit crunch with season ticket price hike
Manchester United have confirmed they will increase season ticket prices by £1 a game next season. [LNB]While many clubs have reduced prices to attract more cash-strapped fans at a time of a global economic crisis, United once again feel confident about bucking the trend because they are still turning away an average of almost 5,500 fans per game. [LNB]Fans' groups are not too impressed with the rises, which take the cost of a ticket to a top-price £49. The cheapest ticket at Old Trafford will be £27. [LNB][LNB][LNB] Inflated: Fans will have to dig even deeper to watch the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo[LNB]However, United feel the continued clamour to watch Sir Alex Ferguson's men - average Premier League attendances this season are 75,299 - is justified. [LNB]'We are still turning away over 5,000 people per game on average and we believe it represents good value for money,' said a United spokesman. [LNB]Earlier this month, the Glazer family revealed debts of £650million. [LNB]Since then the OFT have refused to ask United to scrap their automatic cup scheme, meaning fans who do decide to purchase a season ticket - which will be reduced in number - are again committed to purchasing tickets for all cup games, apart from the Carling Cup. [LNB]In addition, the decision of the Treasury to refuse to acknowledge tickets purchased last year should be reduced because of the mid-season cut in VAT has effectively meant supporters have felt no benefit, other than with their cup purchases. [LNB]United claim they are 'highly unlikely' to add the additional 59 pence to a £27 ticket when VAT returns to its previous 17.5 per cent level on December 31, although supporters' groups remain unimpressed. [LNB]'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. [LNB]'Earlier in the year, the government gave a 2.5 per cent reduction on the price of VAT on tickets. [LNB]'The Glazers have absorbed this benefit and added more increases on top.' [LNB] Realistic Rafa admits United have one hand on title after Anfield thrillerIt's not over: We can still win the league, insists Liverpool skipper GerrardScholes has his moment in the spotlight - it's 600 up for the red-top talismanTottenham boss Redknapp considering crazy quest to bring Beckham to Spurs - reportVillarreal lighten gloom with free season tickets for the unemployedMANCHESTER UNITED FC
