Manchester United’s plan to introduce personal seat licences (PSLs) to help fund the £2bn redevelopment of Old Trafford is under threat due to new government measures targeting ticket touting.
The club had been considering a PSL model that would allow fans to resell match or season tickets at a profit. However, new legislation will ban resales above the original ticket price, replacing earlier proposals for a 30% cap. Although football already falls under restrictions in the 1994 Criminal Justice Act, government sources say they would oppose any attempt by United to create a secondary market for PSLs.
United surveyed hundreds of thousands of fans about the idea, with PSLs offering the right to buy a specific seat for a set period, separate from the season ticket cost. PSLs are common in American sports and often have strong resale value, particularly in the NFL.
Club sources confirmed that resale options were being explored, but the consultation remains at an early stage. A ban on profitable resales would not end the PSL plan but could make licences less appealing and force price adjustments.
PSLs would be limited to premium areas of the new stadium and guarantee fans the same seat each season. Failing to buy a season ticket would result in losing the licence.
United reportedly considered charging £4,000 for a 30-year licence, though this may change if resale value is restricted. The club has not commented publicly but has made clear it will follow all legal requirements.
