There's always a certain excitement on Manchester United matchdays, getting off the tram at Old Trafford and joining the fans heading down Sir Matt Busby Way. However, the anticipation is heightened when you know there's a free bar and a four-course meal waiting at the stadium.
This was my experience of Man United's Seat Unique Club, an exclusive suite opened at the start of the 2026/26 season. I was fortunate enough to secure a ticket for the match against Burnley, which came with a premium hospitality package that significantly enhanced my matchday experience.
In addition to the match itself, my ticket offered a plethora of perks, including a 'VIP Executive' padded seat near the halfway line and a free matchday programme. But perhaps the most significant benefit was the inclusive bar offering a selection of beers, wines and soft drinks.
Prices for the Seat Unique Club can fluctuate depending on the match, with tickets for Man United vs Brighton on October 25 currently starting from £299 per person. Other upcoming fixtures include Man United vs Everton (November 24, £349) and Man United vs Newcastle (December 27, £449), while fans planning ahead can secure their tickets for the next Manchester Derby with Man United vs Man City (January 17, £599).
The Seat Unique Club is in the heart of the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand and is open from three hours before kick-off and one hour after the final whistle. This allowed me to unwind and enjoy a couple of complimentary drinks before the game, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The club also offered a mouth-watering four-course buffet-style grazing menu that easily outshone any pie or burger I've had at a match, and there were no objections when I went back for seconds. Seat Unique prides itself on delivering luxury hospitality experiences, which is precisely what you get with a ticket.
I must confess to initially feeling a little out of place navigating through Old Trafford's VIP areas, but upon reaching the suite, I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of pretentiousness as staff and fellow fans were friendly, conversational, and helpful. I was always addressed by name and never had to ask for a drink, as the staff were incredibly attentive in keeping everyone's glasses filled.
The room was cosy without feeling overcrowded, providing seating for just 16 people. The suite was also well presented, featuring luxurious touches of green and gold, with MUTV showing on two TVs and a view overlooking Salford Quays. It's worth mentioning that seats within the suite are unreserved, so solo visitors may end up sharing a seat with a stranger - albeit a stranger who is also a Man United fan.
When it comes to the match itself, one might not immediately highlight Man United vs Burnley as a standout fixture on the Premier League calendar. However, this game came hot on the heels of the Reds' Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby, so tensions were understandably high.
Thankfully, Man United clinched all three points thanks to a Bruno Fernandes penalty deep into 'Fergie Time'. I've attended my fair share of dull matches, including several 0-0 draws, but this game had it all: goals, penalties, VAR drama, and even more goals.
My seat, comfortably padded and situated right by the halfway line, offered an ideal view akin to watching from the gantry or at home on Sky Sports. The seat was quite high up in the stand, which may not be everyone's cup of tea if they prefer being closer to the pitch, but aside from the added comfort compared to the usual plastic seating, it ensured I remained dry when the typical Manchester rain started mid-game.
To celebrate the 3-2 victory - United's first of the season - we fans in the Seat Unique Club were treated to a glass of champagne back in the suite, a far superior offering to any average pint of lager in my opinion. As a brand-new service, there were a couple of minor hiccups: most notably, there was no chair available for me upon arrival.
However, this was swiftly and professionally resolved while I enjoyed my first complimentary drink of the day, and I'm confident that the hospitality experience will only improve with each game as any teething problems are ironed out. For those not in the know, Seat Unique is an official ticketing platform that offers fans access to top-notch experiences in music, sport and culture.
Alongside Man United, it directly partners with 150 clubs, venues and rightsholders, including Co-Op Live, Everton's new Hill Dickinson stadium and Wembley Stadium. Tickets for Man United's Seat Unique Club can be purchased in advance through to the end of the season, including Premier League fixtures against Aston Villa (March 14) and Liverpool (May 2).