Posted on 21st January 2025
Manchester United “exploit fans’ loyalty” with fourth round pricing
Manchester United have been criticised for the pricing of their fourth round FA Cup tie against Leicester City, which visiting fans have labelled “unacceptable”.
Leicester City will travel to Old Trafford for a Friday night kick-off on 7th February and the cheapest adult ticket for the fixture is £51. Other seats in the away end at full adult prices are priced at £52 and £61.
The cheapest senior ticket for that away end is £40.75 and for under-18s it’s £30.50.
Leicester City supporter groups have criticised Manchester United’s pricing for the game, arguing the cost has put many Foxes fans off travelling to the match.
Steve Moulds, co-chair of Foxes Trust said: “FA Cup games provide the opportunity for fans who are unable to get tickets for league matches to actually go and watch the team they support.
“These games provide one of the few opportunities for younger fans to be able to afford tickets. This spreads the love of the game and invites new and future generations to experience the thrill that is live football.
“How can pricing regular or new fans out of the game be any good for its future?”
This is not the first time Manchester United have come under criticism for their pricing of cup games. Back in 2020 then Wolves manager Nuno Espírito Santo spoke out about the ticket prices for his side’s FA Cup third round trip to Old Trafford, which were £55.
“£55? It’s too much isn’t it? So I don’t agree,” he told the media. “Make it cheaper, cheaper, cheaper.”
Ticket prices have been an increasingly controversial topic at Manchester United – with #StopExploitingLoyalty protests taking place outside Old Trafford this season and supporters hitting out at their own club for abandoning concessionary match-day pricing, charging young and old alike £66 a head – back in November.
Leicester City’s atmosphere group, Union FS, also spoke out about the pricing of the fixture:
“Whilst we would stress that Leicester City FC has its own challenges with respect to ticket pricing, the pure exploitation going on at Manchester United this season for both home and away fans is unacceptable and must end. As such, for the first time in our 11 year history, Union FS will have zero presence at a first team fixture” – Union FS
Ahead of February’s fourth round tie, Leicester City Supporters Club say they are considering running fewer coaches to the game, as the high prices are putting off fans travelling.
“The high ticket prices have led some fans to consider a boycott,” said Amy Ginnetta, committee member at the Leicester City Supporters Club. “And many have already decided not to make the trip. It’s disappointing because football should be accessible to everyone, yet many fans are being priced out.
“We know some supporters will still pay these prices due to their unwavering loyalty and the social experience that comes with supporting our team.
“Football fans travel across the country week after week, bearing significant financial costs and personal sacrifices. Their unwavering commitment is what brings life to stadiums, creating the electric atmosphere that defines football. Without it, we miss those unforgettable moments when goals are scored or when the final whistle blows.
“For those who will be traveling, they’ve requested to bring the FSA’s ‘Stop Exploiting Loyalty’ banner as a form of protest. Charging over £50 for a fourth round FA Cup game on a Friday night, especially one that’s televised, is simply unacceptable. If clubs persist with these exorbitant prices, we risk losing the very essence of what makes football passionate and special.”
What does the FSA think?
In most of the FA Cup’s history, ticket pricing for visiting fans had to be agreed by both competing clubs, however a 2017 FA rule change freed up host clubs to effectively charge whatever they like.
After an effective FSA campaign Premier League clubs agreed to a £30 cap for away fans – a practice so successful in protecting away numbers, UEFA has even copied it for its club competitions – but when it comes the domestic cups clubs appear far too quick to disregard that principle.
This isn’t a Premier League game but we don’t see why the FA Cup should be used as an excuse to bump up costs and rip off match-going fans. Keep the FA Cup affordable.
