United subsidise fans' tickets for Northampton trip

Not only have Manchester United consented to Northampton Town's decision to double ticket prices for the clubs' FA Cup fourth-round meeting on 25 January, they have decided to subsidise the price hike for their own fans.

United will knock £10 from the price of each ticket in their allocation of around 1,200, meaning that visiting supporters will pay either £15 or £20 per seat. The Old Trafford club will make up the £12,000 shortfall.

Northampton fans will still pay up to £35 a seat. United's subsidy came after pressure from the influential Independent Manchester United Supporters' Association.

"The club have been aware for some time of the concerns of loyal fans who travel to away games and find that ticket prices have been raised because Manchester United are the opposition," a club statement said. It did not mention that United had happily agreed to Northampton's price rises nor that United will get almost half of the inflated gate money.

Northampton's initial announcement about pricing on Wednesday was met by criticism from Imusa. This criticism was in turn deemed "a bit rich" by Northampton fans, who are apparently largely happy with the cost.

"Feedback from Supporters' Trust members and season ticket-holders has so far been overwhelmingly positive," said a statement from Northampton, who have been plagued by financial difficulties.

"The original ticket prices had been fixed as a joint decision from both Northampton Town and Manchester United. The further decision to reduce ticket prices to their supporters has been made purely by United, who are one of the biggest and richest clubs in the world."

In allocating seats for the Northampton game, United will favour fans who have spent most on tickets this season. Those who have attended three Champions' League matches this season will be given priority.