Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) has called on Sir Jim Ratcliffe to freeze season ticket prices and avoid selling the club’s young talent or risk “total revolt”.
The cost of attending games at Old Trafford has recently increased without consultation with the club explaining the move is needed to help improve “operational efficiency” and “stabilise revenue”.
The price of season tickets for next season is currently being determined and it is to be hoped that they will remain at the same levels as for the current campaign.
An open letter to Sir Jim Ratcliffe on ticket pricing and policies
Read the full letter here:https://t.co/esj4krcymt
Also, follow the thread below…#Murnc
– must (@mu_st) January 27, 2025
In an open letter to Ratcliffe, he is said to have written: “A price increase or major ticket policy changes will go down very badly with fans at the moment. Negative sentiment comes at a financial cost as discontent escalates into active protests and disappointment.
“This discontent could lead to outright revolt, with consequences not only for match revenue, but also for sponsor relations and the club’s global brand.”
Ratcliffe was the subject of vitriolic chants at Craven Cottage last night as United claimed a 1-0 win over Fulham courtesy of Lisandro Martinez’s goal.
The owner of Ineos would have taken into account, but it remains possible that financial issues will prevail over personal popularity.
Nevertheless, he must describe what they hope will happen, which includes keeping the namesakes of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, both linked with moves away in January.
The five-point plan was read to them:
- Keep fire for this season:
- Be Bold – Freeze Ticket Prices for 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 to support the team for the crucial final months of the season.
- Collection of fans and club together:
- Use this time to focus on maximizing performances on the pitch, securing European destination through the Premier League or CUP competitions and strengthening fan support.
- Consider alternative financing options:
- If additional funding is required for exceptional circumstances, explore another equity issue for existing shareholders or allow fans (or other investors) the opportunity to partner with their club on a fair and equal basis with major shareholders. We know many fans would welcome this opportunity.
- Consult fans about long-term changes:
- If you believe that ticket pricing and policies at Old Trafford require significant correction, please initiate a proper consultation process with the supporters who will be affected. This will ensure that decisions are informed by the perspectives of fans and have the best chance of ensuring unity rather than rebellion. You have to take the fans with you, not create an opposition.
- Maintain the club’s legacy:
- Resist the temptation to sell the fruits of the Youth Academy for short-term fixes, unless aligned with a long-term football strategy that honors Manchester United’s proud tradition of developing talent.
Victory last night took United up to 12th in the table, but there was another season of under-performance. Erik Ten Hag was sacked in October with Ruben Amorim taking over. However, the Portuguese are yet to make a positive impact, with mixed results in recent weeks.
