Manchester United’s proposal to introduce personal seat licences (PSLs) to help fund the £2bn redevelopment of Old Trafford has been complicated by new government plans to outlaw ticket resales above face value.
United’s PSL model, currently under consultation with fans, would allow supporters to buy the right to purchase a specific seat for years to come, separate from the cost of a season ticket. Crucially, early proposals also allowed fans to resell PSL-linked match or season tickets at a profit — something the government now intends to prohibit.
Ministers announced legislation (expected in next year’s king’s speech) that will limit all secondary ticket resales to face value, aiming to stamp out touting. While football ticket resale is already illegal under the 1994 Criminal Justice Act, government officials signalled they would oppose United introducing any profit-making secondary market through PSLs.
United surveyed hundreds of thousands of fans through CSL International, exploring different PSL structures. While the club has not yet formalised plans, the option to resell licences had been part of the early model. Removing that resale value could make PSLs less appealing and may force the club to reduce prices, reportedly expected to be around £4,000 for a 30-year licence.
PSLs would only apply to premium seating, guaranteeing holders the same seat each year — a major draw after unpopular recent fan relocations. But fans who fail to purchase a season ticket would automatically lose their licence.
The government has clarified that existing debenture schemes at Wimbledon and Twickenham are unlikely to be affected because they function as loans reinvested into sport. No such discussions have been held with United, as PSLs are not yet active.
United declined to comment but stressed privately that the club will comply with any new laws.
