United subsidise fans' tickets

Manchester United have decided to knock £10 (€14) off all tickets for visiting fans for the FA Cup fourth round tie at Northampton on January 25.

The gesture, which will cost the Old Trafford club just over £12,000 (€17,000), came after consultation with influential fans group the Independent Manchester United Supporters' Association.

It was revealed on Wednesday that Northampton had doubled ticket prices in a bid to cash in on the glamour tie at Sixfields, which has a capacity of less than 8,000.

While United said they understood the reasons behind the move, they have decided to absorb most of the cost.

"This discount is seen as the right way to respond to fans' concerns about the Northampton game," said United director of communications Paddy Harverson.

It means visiting supporters will pay either £15 (€21)or £20 (€28) for a seat, marginally less than the cost of admittance at Old Trafford.

"Whilst we recognise the needs of lower league clubs to generate revenue where they can, there is also a responsibility to ensure supporters are not being ripped off," said IMUSA spokesman Mark Longden.

With the added bonus of live television coverage, Northampton can expect to rake in over £500,000 (€722,000) from the game, their first home encounter with United since George Best scored six times in the Red Devils' 8-2 win at the County Ground in 1970.