Sparse Crowds at Manchester United Friendly Spark Outrage Over Ticket Prices

The recent training match between Norwegian club Rosenborg and Manchester United saw disappointingly low attendance, prompting criticism from supporters regarding the exorbitant ticket prices. Inge Braa, leader of Rosenborg's independent supporter club "Kjernen," described the situation as "morally reprehensible."

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As a supporter, it is just morally reprehensible.

Braa highlighted the stark contrast between the match tickets and season passes, noting that the most expensive tickets for the friendly match cost 2,500 Norwegian kroner, the same price as a season ticket for the upper east stand. "Everything that is wrong with international football is visible in this match," Braa stated, attributing the issue solely to commercialization.

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You can buy a gold ticket for 2,500 kroner, and you can buy a season ticket for the upper east stand for 2,500 kroner.

Merete Prestkvern, managing director of Scandsports, the organizer of Manchester United's Nordic tour, acknowledged the feedback on ticket prices. She suggested that the low turnout was also influenced by Manchester United playing four matches across Scandinavia this summer, offering fans multiple choices. "There have been more options for supporters," Prestkvern explained.

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Everything that is wrong with international football is visible in this match. It is only about commercialization.

Fans reportedly prioritized attending matches in other cities, such as Gothenburg, over the Trondheim game. Prestkvern also noted that many Norwegians had already spent significantly on the World Cup in the USA, potentially impacting their willingness to spend on additional football events.

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This year there are four matches in the Nordics with approximately 150,000 tickets. Previously, there was one match with 20,000–50,000 tickets. This means there have been more choices for supporters.