M.U.S.T on Pricing, Fans and the Future

#839 | In this episode, Ed is joined by Duncan Drasdo and Andy Green from the Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) to discuss the recent ticket price increases announced by Manchester United. Duncan and Andy discuss the 5% average price increase for tickets, policy changes affecting pensioners and under 16s, and the new categorisation scheme for tickets. They explore the broader financial implications, including match day revenues and the operational costs tied to the club's performance. The conversation also touches on the strained relations between fan groups and the club's new management, the necessity of understanding fans' perspectives, and the potential impact of dynamic pricing. The episode concludes with insights into stadium redevelopment plans, the challenges of financing the initiative, and the importance of maintaining a strong fan base. 00:00 Introduction 01:42 Overview of Price Increases 02:51 Impact on Different Fan Groups 03:55 Changes in Ticketing Policies 08:38 Consultation Process 12:41 Financial Challenges and Club's Strategy 23:32 Future of the Stadium and Financing 32:49 Final Thoughts About MUST As an organisation, MUST has evolved greatly over the years. From its origins as a fan shareholder pressure group and protest movement, MUST is now the largest Supporters Trust in the UK and works to give United fans the most influential voice possible. Its manifesto sets out the five ways it tries try to do that: – Representing fans' voices to the Club – Campaigning on fans priorities – Building a growing ownership stake for fans – – Standing up for fans, making sure they’re fairly treated – Always listening, so we represent fans' real views --- If you are interested in supporting the show and accessing exclusive bonus episodes, check out our Patreon page or subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscriptions. We do a bonus show and a tactical review every week for backers. No Question About That is available on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Amazon and all podcast apps. Hit that subscribe button, leave a rating and write a review. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices