United welcome Premier League packages

A statement was released after discussions between the top-flight clubs to confirm an extension of the current cap on away ticket prices and an endorsement of the introduction of Fan Advisory Boards.

Collette Roche, Manchester United chief operating officer, said: “We welcome the Premier League’s commitment to developing a new Fan Engagement Standard to improve the way all clubs work with supporters, and Manchester United is determined to remain at the forefront of those efforts.

“Our Fans’ Advisory Board has already established a strong role as a new channel for strategic dialogue between fans and the club, and we are pleased to see the Premier League embracing this model.”

The statement released on Thursday afternoon read: "Premier League clubs today unanimously agreed to maintain the current £30 cap on away ticket prices for the next three seasons.

"The price cap was introduced in the 2016/17 season after the successful implementation of the Premier League Away Supporters' Initiative, where clubs provided a range of measures for their away fans.

"The level of the cap (£30) will be reviewed in 2025, when it will have been in place for nine seasons. All clubs recognise the crucial importance of supporters in generating the best possible atmosphere at matches and acknowledge the additional travel costs often involved, when following a team away from home. "It was also agreed today to include an away-ticket price cap within the Premier League Rules for the first time.

"Clubs also approved the introduction of an action plan to address improving the League’s collective offer for fans. This includes developing a series of new League-wide measures and commitments for supporters.

"As part of this commitment, clubs today endorsed the introduction of Fan Advisory Boards, and to nominate a Board-level official to be responsible for the club’s fan engagement activities. Clubs also supported the development and introduction of a new Fan Engagement Standard, which will build on the existing high-quality fan activity that happens at many clubs. This will set a new minimum level of engagement across the League, with performance assessed by an independent panel.

"Fans are the lifeblood of the game and are essential to their clubs, these new standards will ensure long-term meaningful engagement with supporters. The Premier League will now continue to consult with clubs and the Football Supporters’ Association to finalise the Fan Engagement Standard framework, with the aim of its introduction next season."

Manchester United launched its Fans’ Advisory Board in January and it has met twice since then. The FAB comprises seven fan representatives from a variety of backgrounds who meet quarterly with senior club leaders for in-depth consultation on strategic matters.

The objective is to increase fan input into the club’s decision-making processes and ensure that the fans’ perspective is heard at the highest levels of the club. Our co-chairman Joel Glazer has attended both of the FAB meetings so far via video, each lasting over three hours.

The FAB was integral to the recent reform of our season-ticket policies to give fans more choice and flexibility over cup tickets.

In addition, we appointed our first Head of Engagement in April. We also remain committed to establishing a Fans’ Share Scheme to promote fan ownership of the club’s shares and advanced talks on this are continuing with Manchester United Supporters’ Trust

You can find more information on the FAB here.