Manchester United’s proposal to introduce personal seat licences (PSLs) to help fund the £2bn redevelopment of Old Trafford faces uncertainty after the government announced stricter rules on ticket resales.
The club had been exploring a PSL model that would allow holders to resell their match or season tickets at a profit. However, new legislation set for next year will ban selling sports and music tickets above face value. Though football already falls under existing laws, government officials have signalled they would oppose any attempt by United to create a secondary market for PSLs.
United has been surveying fans about the idea through a major study by CSL International. PSLs would give supporters the right to buy a specific seat for a set period, separate from the cost of the season ticket. The system is common in American sports, where licences are often resold for significant profit.
Club sources confirmed that reselling the licence itself was being considered, but plans remain at an early stage. Without the ability to profit from resales, PSLs may become less attractive and could force the club to lower prices.
PSLs would likely apply only to the most premium seats, offering holders a guaranteed location each season. If a holder chooses not to buy their season ticket, they would lose the licence.
Unlike debentures at Wimbledon and Twickenham, which act as long-term loans to governing bodies, PSLs are commercial products and may fall under tougher scrutiny. United had reportedly considered charging £4,000 for a 30-year licence, though this may change.
The club declined to comment but has stated it will follow all legal requirements.
