Man Utd considering charging fans £4k for right to buy a season ticket as part of controversial plans for new £2bn stadium

The Red Devils have unveiled plans for a spectacular new stadium that co-owner and INEOS chief Sir Jim Ractliffe wants to see become ‘Wembley of the North’. Said venue will cost upwards of £2 billion ($2.7bn) to construct.

United are seeking government funding to help with the build, but are also looking to generate their own funds. One idea said to have been floated, as reported by the Daily Mail, involves charging fans a ‘Personal Seat Licence’ that gives them the chance to buy a 30-year season ticket at further considerable cost.

That system is commonplace in American sport, with NFL franchise the San Francisco 49ers - whose ownership group calls the shots at Leeds - charging up to £60,00 for a PSL. The LA Rams - who are run by Arsenal supremo Stan Kroenke - reportedly had PSL options for £166,000 after constructing their SoFi Stadium home, while the Dallas Cowboys can demand £110,000.

Barcelona and Real Madrid have used similar approaches within their respective stadium upgrades, raising “tens of millions by selling seat licenses in the VIP areas to high net worth individuals”.

According to the Mail, the PSL system is “one of a number of proposals presented to fans by US-based consultants CSL International”. No decisions have been made as yet, with more fan consultation set to take place.

United’s new stadium will house 100,000 spectators, with several options for ticking pricing being considered. The Premier League giants hope to move into their stunning home by 2031-32.