The United supporters' trust MUST claims that more than 6,000 season ticket holders have not renewed their Old Trafford seats because of the scheme, which forces them to buy tickets for cup matches during the campaign, and because of the big price rises.
The club has claimed it has a waiting list of around 13-14,000 fans wanting to snap up a season ticket and current holders allege this is simply a threat to force them to agree to the cup scheme.
One-year season tickets are still being advertised on United's official website and MUST claims its members have rung the ticket office, which has confirmed they are still available.
But United say that the season tickets available are the one-year type, and that the 13-14,000 waiting list refers to the permanent tickets.
"The waiting list is as it was," said a club spokesman. "It grew steadily throughout last season and one-year season tickets are being offered, as they were last year.
"We have sold over 57,000 season tickets and are not going to start trading numbers with MUST. We get this every year from groups like them."
MUST says it has received huge numbers of emails, calls and posts on its website from angry long-term and loyal season ticket holders who are angry about having to join the ACS.
Fans argue that it is too expensive on top of substantial ticket price rises over the last few seasons, or they are unable to make it to midweek games.
MUST member John Mayall has already started legal action against United in the County Court for what he sees as a breach of contract and/or invalid contract terms through the club failing to provide the season ticket they promised to deliver in June.
The club's deadline to fans who renewed season tickets, and have paid their money and received confirmation of renewal, but refused to join the ACS, expired on Friday. Fans are waiting to see whether United cancel their season tickets.
Tweet
Free Red, Manchester (30/07/2007 at 12:31)
Fan : "I'm thinking of getting a season ticket for next season, but I understand there is a waiting list is that correct?"
Agent: "No Sir not at all, we have a number of season tickets available which you can buy"
Fan : "Oh right, so there is no waiting list anymore then?"
Agent: "Well Sir, we've been working off the waiting list, and there are some available that you could buy"
Fan: "ok. Can you tell me what a One year Season ticket is"
Agent: "It's just a season ticket for one year"
Fan: "Isn't that the same as a normal season ticket?"
Agent: "No sir, it's for one year only and then you'll get a reminder at the end of the season to give you the chance to renew it"
Fan: "So what's the difference between that and a normal season ticket? don't they have to renew those season tickets as well?"
Agent: "Yes Sir, but it's not as permanent as a normal season ticket, in that you can keep your seat between seasons"
Fan: "So effectively they're the same thing, but you just don't get the same seat"
Agent: "That's correct sir. It's a way of getting you onto that first run of the ladder so at some point we'll be able to offer you a more permanent season ticket".
Fan: "If I buy a season ticket where will my seat be located?"
Agent: "We have a number of one year season tickets available but only in the South Lower, but we also have a number of other season tickets based around the ground so if you were interested in only one, I could have a look and place you someone really good"
Fan: "Really? so isn't there the demand for them then? It seems a bit odd that somewhere like Old Trafford an I can get a choice of where I sit just like that"
Agent: "Well the phones are picking up a bit, which is probably due to it being closer to the season so demand may be picking up now but our lines are open until 8pm this evening so if you want to call back later when you've thought about it then please do, but obviously there's no guarantee that the same seats will be available."
Fan: "Thanks mate, but I was just curious really. I won't go back to Old Trafford until the Glazers are gone"
Agent: "Oh, right. Ok sir. Thanks for your call." End Call.
Conclusion:-
1) A one year season ticket is no different from a normal season ticket except for the regular seat, bit like the old LMTB's. You still have to join the cup scheme as with the permanent season ticket. Those with a one year season ticket should in theory be offered new permanent ST's when they become available. There are plenty of these tickets available but only in the south stand.
2) Permanent season tickets are also available and you could pick one up without having a one year season ticket first and getting "promoted" when your were offered one.
3) The "waiting list" is now a list of United season tickets waiting for new customers!