The Independent Manchester United Supporters’ Association (Imusa) has written to all its members asking them not to renew their season ticket. Imusa believes that a significant drop in season ticket sales, and subsequently cash flow, will force the Glazer’s to listen to potential buyers such as the Red Knight consortium. The group acknowledges that not all fans will be willing to take such a move but say those supporters can also play their part by waiting as late in the day as possible before renewing.
The Independent Manchester United Supporters’ Association (Imusa) has written to all its members asking them not to renew their season ticket. Imusa believes that a significant drop in season ticket sales, and subsequently cash flow, will force the Glazer’s to listen to potential buyers such as the Red Knight consortium. The group acknowledges that not all fans will be willing to take such a move but say those supporters can also play their part by waiting as late in the day as possible before renewing. The club’s season ticket deadline is Sunday June 13th.
Of course clubs don’t just rake in the cash from season ticket sales, in the modern era everything sold in stadiums turns in a handsome profit. The mark up on the humble burger, for example, can be substantial. As a result Imusa have also called on fans to boycott all food, drink, and merchandise where possible.
The move will inevitably draw criticism from some quarters as a successful campaign by definition equals lower income for the club, which inevitably leads to a smaller transfer budget. Many United fans would however point out that the transfer budget is being reduced anyway due to interest payments on the club’s £720m debt. Debt and interest payments that wouldn’t exist if the Glazer’s leveraged takeover had never happened.
“Quite simply the bond prospectus set down in very clear terms how much the Glazers planned to take out of the club until 2017. As far as we’re concerned they can’t take out what isn’t there. If you still want to go to games join the One United scheme and buy on a match-by-match basis. And don’t buy any pies in the ground!” said Imusa chairman and FSF national council member Mark Longden.
There is also an assumption by those outside Old Trafford that the club has a huge season ticket waiting list and is therefore immune to such protests. If one fan boycotts another will gladly snap up their season ticket. Imusa claim that might not be the case. They argue that the majority of games fail to sell out now and tickets are often available elsewhere, often at less than cost price. And while season tickets do allow you to apply for away tickets the demand is so high you’re merely paying through the nose for the privilege of entering a ballot you probably won’t win. “The reality is that the only actual advantage to having a season ticket these days is that you get to sit in the same seat each week,” say Imusa. This, however, can be the key selling point if it gives you a good view and the chance to sit with people you have got to know as football friends for years.
While many will brush that off as anecdotal evidence which doesn’t prove anything Imusa aren’t the only ones doubting United fans’ appetite for season tickets. The club’s financial advisers, JP Morgan, have stated, “We note that 17,000 people are on the waiting list for Manchester United season tickets,” say the investment bank. “However, this somewhat overstates the demand as we note that no deposits have been paid and many seek specific seats in the stadium.”
Whether this appeal will work to the extent that it actually hits the Glazers significantly in the pocket remains to be seen. But United fans in Imusa clearly think it is worth a try.