A group of Manchester United fans are warning of an ‘outright riot’ if Ratcliffe ignores ticket price warnings
Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) has called on Sir Jim Ratcliffe to freeze season ticket prices and refrain from selling the club’s young talent or risk “outright rebellion”.
The cost of viewing matches at Old Trafford recently rose without fans consulting with the club explaining that the move was needed to improve “operational efficiency” and “stabilise revenues”.
Season ticket prices for next season are currently being determined and MUST hope to remain at the same levels as for the current campaign.
An open letter to Sir Jim Ratcliffe on ticket prices and policies
Read the entire letter here:https://t.co/eSj4KrCYmt
Also to follow in the thread below…#MUFC
— MORA (@MU_ST) January 27, 2025
In an open letter to Ratcliffe, MUST wrote: “A price increase or significant changes to ticketing policy would hit fans very hard at this time. Negative sentiment comes with financial costs, as dissatisfaction escalates into active protests and disillusionment.
“This discontent could lead to outright rebellion, with consequences not only for match revenue, but also for sponsor relations and the club’s global brand.”
Ratcliffe was the subject of harsh boos at Craven Cottage last night as United won 1-0 against Fulham thanks to a Lisandro Martinez goal.
The owner of Ineos would notice, but it remains likely that economic issues will take precedence over personal popularity.
However, MUST have outlined what they hope will happen, which includes keeping hold of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnach, both of whom have been linked with moves away in January.
Their five-point plan was:
- Keep the fire burning for this season:
- Be brave – freeze ticket prices for season ticket holders and members for next season. This would signal the club’s commitment to its supporters and create a rallying point for everyone to come together in support of the team in the crucial final months of the season.
- Bring the fans and the club together:
- Use this time to focus on maximizing performance on the pitch, securing European qualification through Premier League or cup competitions and strengthening fan support.
- Consider alternative financing options:
- If additional funding is required in exceptional circumstances, explore another share issue for existing shareholders or allow supporters (or other investors) the opportunity to co-invest in your club on a fair and equal basis with the main shareholders. We know many fans would welcome this opportunity.
- Consult fans on long-term changes:
- If you believe that ticket prices and rules at Old Trafford require significant adjustments, please initiate a proper consultation process with affected fans. This will ensure that decisions are informed by the perspectives of fans and are made with the best chance of ensuring unity rather than rebellion. You need to take the fans with you, not create opposition.
- Preserve the club’s legacy:
- Resist the temptation to sell off the fruits of the youth academy for short-term fixes unless it aligns with a longer-term football strategy that respects Manchester United’s proud tradition of developing talent.
Last night’s win took United up to 12th in the table, but it was another season of underachievement. Erik ten Hag was fired in October and Ruben Amorim took over. However, the Portuguese is yet to make a positive impact, with mixed results in recent weeks.
