Manchester United’s ambitious stadium redevelopment plans have taken a significant step forward in recent weeks, as the club continues to explore options for a new 100,000-capacity venue next to Old Trafford.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have wasted no time in putting bold ideas into motion, bringing on board Lord Norman Foster, the acclaimed architect behind the initial concept.
The new ground, expected to open in the 2031–32 season, could become the centrepiece of a major regeneration project, with hopes of hosting the 2035 Women’s World Cup Final.
But progress has been slowed by complications over acquiring the vital Freightliner Terminal behind the Stretford End, with negotiations still ongoing.
In the background, United have been working with American consultants CSL International to examine ticketing models—and one of the suggestions has fans deeply concerned.
Manchester United are considering the introduction of a controversial “Personal Seat Licence” (PSL) system, which could see supporters pay as much as £4,000 upfront purely for the right to buy a season ticket at the future stadium, as per the Daily Mail.
This model, common in the NFL but unprecedented in the Premier League, would mean fans fork out thousands before even paying for their annual seat.
Once purchased, the licence would grant first refusal on that seat for up to 30 years—but failing to renew the season ticket would result in the licence being revoked.
The system was floated during fan focus groups held in mid-July, involving season ticket holders, members, and corporate customers.
United insiders have insisted that the idea is merely “exploratory” and that no final decisions have been made, with a club-wide fan survey still to follow.
Still, the backlash is already brewing, as supporters voice their outrage at the possibility of a steep two-tier cost just to remain in the stands.
United’s current season tickets already range from £608 to £1,121—a 5% increase from last season—with under-16s’ prices held steady.
Examples from across the Atlantic are eye-watering: at SoFi Stadium, Personal Seat Licence went for up to £166,000, while others like the Cowboys and 49ers also charge tens of thousands for prime seats.
While elite clubs such as Barcelona and Real Madrid have used PSLs to target VIPs in limited areas, applying the model more broadly in Manchester would mark a seismic shift.
With around 20% of the proposed stadium earmarked for corporate use, many fear the soul of the fan experience could be priced out altogether.
