The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) has called on Sir Jim Ratcliffe to freeze season ticket prices and refrain from selling the club’s young talents or risk “outright rebellion”.
The cost of watching games at Old Trafford recently rose with no fan consultation with the club explaining the move was required to help improve “operational efficiencies” and “stabilise revenues”.
The price of season tickets for next season is currently being determined and MUST is hoping they 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 to follow in thread below …#MUFC
— M.U.S.T (@MU_ST) January 27, 2025
In an open letter to Ratcliffe, MUST wrote: “A price increase or significant ticketing policy changes would land very badly with fans at this time. Negative sentiment comes with financial costs, as discontent escalates into active protests and disillusionment.
“This discontent could lead to outright rebellion, with consequences not just for matchday revenues 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 Ineos owner would have taken note but it remains likely economic matters will take precedence over personal popularity.
Nevertheless, MUST outlined what they hope will happen, which includes keeping hold of the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, with both linked with moves away this January.
Their five-point plan read:
- Hold Fire for This Season:
- Be bold – 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 for the crucial final months of the season.
- Rally the Fans and Club Together:
- Use this time to focus on maximizing performance on the pitch, securing European qualification through the Premier League or cup competitions, and strengthening fan support.
- Consider Alternative Funding Options:
- If additional funding is required for exceptional circumstances, explore another share issue for existing shareholders or allow fans (or other investors) the option to co-invest in their club on a fair and equal basis with the major shareholders. We know many fans would welcome this opportunity.
- Consult Fans on Long-Term Changes:
- If you believe ticket pricing and policies at Old Trafford require significant correction, initiate a proper consultation process with the supporters who will be impacted. This will ensure decisions are informed by fan perspectives and made with the best chance of securing unity rather than rebellion. You need to take 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 honours Manchester United’s proud tradition of developing talent.
Last night’s win took United up to 12th in the table but it has been another season of under-achievement. Erik ten Hag was dismissed in October with Ruben Amorim taking over. The Portuguese has yet to make a positive impact, however, with mixed results over recent weeks.