• FA Cup

United season-ticket holders told to buy £50 replay tickets

Supporters are seemingly being punished for Manchester United's failure to beat a League Two side away from home © Getty Images

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Manchester United have come in for renewed criticism for their season ticket policy, which requires all fans to purchase tickets for the FA Cup replay against League Two Cambridge United.

United have for a number of years insisted any fan who holds a season card must buy a ticket for all home FA Cup matches, and anyone who fails to comply will have their season card suspended for a forthcoming Premier League fixture at Old Trafford.

Cambridge make the trip to face United on Tuesday in the replay of their fourth-round tie, but prices have not been reduced meaning all season card holders must buy a ticket costing around £50 - and anyone who fails to do so will be banned from attending the Sunderland fixture on February 28.

It effectively means season card holders are being punished for the club's failure to beat a League Two team by being forced to buy tickets at top prices for a replay arranged at short notice, being played on a midweek evening.

The vast majority of fans have a credit card on file, which is automatically charged with the price of the cup ticket. But any fan whose credit card has expired faces the prospect of action, unless they come forward to pay for a ticket.

On Wednesday, United sent letters and emails to all fans who had still to secure an FA Cup ticket underlining the policy. It read: "The deadline to buy your seat for Cambridge United is 8pm tonight. Please note that not buying this ticket will result in your season ticket being suspended for the Sunderland game."

One United season card holder is quoted by the Daily Mail as saying: "I find it unbelievable that the club think they can treat loyal supporters like myself that spend thousands with them like this - sending an email making threats and setting deadlines.

"This isn't the first time this has happened and I'm sure it won't be the last. I'm sick to death of having emails like this. To be honest I would be willing to miss both the Cambridge and Sunderland games as a matter of principle."

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