Man Utd outdo Arsenal with season ticket price increase as Ineos 'ignore calls'

Manchester United and Newcastle have announced joint-highest season ticket price increases for next season, surpassing Arsenal

Manchester United are poised to outdo Arsenal with the joint-highest percentage increase on season ticket prices. So far, only seven of the 20 Premier League clubs have confirmed their price ranges for next season, with United and Newcastle leading the pack.

The Red Devils' cheapest adult season ticket will be £646, whilst the most expensive will be £1,177 - a 5 per cent hike in some areas. There is a price freeze on the lowest tier at Old Trafford with a five per cent increase on the highest, which equates to roughly £2 more per game.

Newcastle's increase sees the lowest price rise to £801, with their highest up to £987. Both clubs' percentage rises are higher than the Gunners, who are increasing prices by 3.9 per cent - marking the fifth year of rises at the Emirates Stadium. The new category A plus tier at Arsenal will be between £90 and £168 per game.

United claim they plan to invest the additional revenue in football and facilities. This follows the club's expenditure of over £200million in the transfer market last summer.

United state that the Fan Advisory Board were consulted and that season-ticket holders would not pay more than 1/19th of the cost of their season ticket for any home European game. United are on track to qualify for the Champions League after a season away from Europe.

A club spokesperson said: "This decision follows constructive discussions with fan representatives on the Fans' Advisory Board and wider supporter groups.

"We understand the challenges supporters face – particularly with our matches' dates and timings being rearranged after selection for broadcast – and we recognise the importance of a policy that is both fair and flexible.

"We are encouraged that the vast majority of season ticket holders are on course to meet their usage threshold this season, and Old Trafford and the team continue to benefit from a strong attendance and a vibrant atmosphere with very few empty seats."

However, the Manchester United Supporters Trust has condemned the price rise. A spokesperson said: "It is disappointing that the club has ignored our call, as part of the FSA's league-wide campaign, for a ticket price freeze.

"Supporters are paying more and more to watch their team, and as the FSA campaign said: enough is enough.

"We've also learned that 600 more loyal fans are being moved for ever more hospitality. Those people will be understandably furious, and need to be better treated by the club than those who went through the same thing last year were.

"That said, we are pleased the club listened to some of our concerns and there are no further restrictions on season ticket holders forwarding their tickets and no increase in the minimum usage rules. Football clubs make better decisions when they listen to fans - they should do it more!"