Hi mate, well done on considering the season ticket idea! I spent a while considering it, then finally one summer just leapt in. Good few seasons in now, and just a few tips and observations, a couple of comments you can read between the lines on.
- Definitely get 2 tickets next to each other (shouldn't be a problem, just not in the most popular areas). Much easier to pass on a pair, as only oddballs or locals will want to take singles.
- Think carefully through who can be in your "pool" of people that make things easier. Two pools - people to go with, and people to pass tickets to. I probably have a pool of about 30 people, who take between 0-6 a season from me. People's circumstances change, a good option to take some may suddenly drop out with kids/job change etc, so you need to continually find new people for your pool. If you have any work offices near to Manchester those can be a real saver. Some of those awkward to shift midweeks are easier to place with locals.
- Even with a large pool, you WILL find the odd game a season hard to shift. You have to be relentless with your hassling of people to take games at times. As a general rule, if they haven't "let you know" that'll be a no. Move onto the next option. Run out of options, and that's when this place is decent, or local FB groups but be very careful of the below.
- The rules say you can "pass your ticket to a friend/family member for free". The rules say you cannot sell on, even for face value. They can and will ban you, for a huge 3 years I believe, and you won't get a refund for the rest of the season! Remind anyone that takes your tickets that they have been "passed them free by their very generous season ticket holder mate"
- Only offer out games when the date/time has been confirmed. That makes such a difference! Someone who could definitely make a weekend may not make a Monday night.
- Sort arrangements out well before the game. If they won't commit to the arrangement early on, it's so much easier for them to drop out, leaving you scampering around at the last min. If someone lets you down and it's not a really good reason, ditch them from your pool and move on.
- Beware the quick turnaround games, say a Saturday/Tuesday combo. Try and get the same people to take the pair of games, or it can be really stress to arrange.
- You are obliged to buy all FA Cup home games (this can be dangerous if United draw away, as the replay will generally be a midweeker 10days on). You can opt out of League cup and Europa, but have to buy any champions league home games if we're in it.
- Always go recorded delivery/special delivery (if you need next day) for safety. You can get someone to collect paper tickets on the day, but you don't want any extra faff.
- Fingers crossed they introduce a ticket exchange system next season. That'd make a lot of the above unnecessary, as long as your tickets stand out from the crowd as being active to someone to want! (or it's a big game!)
Right mate, sorry that's a bit overblown, but i'd say that should give you plenty to think about!!