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Manchester United fans have urged the club to freeze ticket prices and improve relations with supporters, expressing their concerns in an open letter to Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Ratcliffe, whose INEOS group owns a minority stake in the club and oversees football operations, was present at Craven Cottage during United’s win against Fulham.
However, fans in the away end voiced their displeasure over the recent mid-season ticket price increases through chants.
The Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) emphasised the need for a “major reset” in the relationship between the club and its fans, citing United’s poor form on the pitch.
An open letter to Sir Jim Ratcliffe on ticket pricing and policies
Read the full letter here:
Also to follow in thread below …#MUFC
— M.U.S.T (@MU_ST) January 27, 2025
Last season, the club finished eighth in the Premier League, its lowest since 1990, and now sits in 12th after 23 matches of the current campaign.
In the letter, the group described the price hike as poorly timed, stating it negatively impacts fan sentiment, matchday atmosphere, and team performance.
They called for a price freeze and urged the club to focus on improving results on the field before exploring alternative revenue sources.
“As you consider forthcoming decisions on match ticketing policies and pricing, we urge you to pause and carefully reflect on the timing, potential consequences, and long-term impact of any major changes,” the letter read.
MUST noted that Ratcliffe’s public comments suggest he believes ticket pricing needs a review, but the group argued that changes would worsen divisions among supporters during a turbulent period.
“With the team struggling on the pitch and fan sentiment already at a low ebb, we all need to pull together to lift the team’s performance, not risk deepening divisions or creating further dissatisfaction.”
The letter concluded by emphasising the importance of fan support to Manchester United’s success:
“By freezing prices and avoiding major disruptive policy changes now, you have the opportunity to signal that you value the unique role of fans in Manchester United’s success. Together, we can build a stronger future for the club. The consequences of ignoring this are significant, but the benefits of getting it right are immeasurable.”
In November, MUST wrote to the club’s CEO Omar Berrada, requesting a reversal of the decision to raise ticket prices to £66 for the remaining home fixtures of the 2024/25 season.
The increase came as Ratcliffe aimed to comply with Premier League profitability and sustainability regulations amidst United’s ongoing financial difficulties.
The club recently admitted that it risks breaching these rules unless it finds a way to reverse its continued financial losses.
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