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 talent or risk “full rebellion”.
The cost of watching games at Old Trafford has recently increased without fans consulting with the club, saying the move was needed to improve “operational efficiency” and “stabilize revenues”.
Season ticket prices for next season are currently being determined and MUST hopes that they will remain at the same level as for the current season.
An open letter to Sir Jim Ratcliffe on ticket prices and policies
Read the full letter here:https://t.co/eSj4KrCYmt
Also follow in the thread below…#MUFC
— MUST (@MU_ST) January 27, 2025
In an open letter to Ratcliffe, MUST wrote: “An increase in prices or significant changes to ticketing policies at this time would be very poorly received by fans.” Negative sentiment comes at a financial cost, as dissatisfaction leads to active protests and disillusionment.
“This dissatisfaction could lead to an outright rebellion, with consequences not only for matchday revenue, but also for the club’s sponsorship relationships and global brand.”
Ratcliffe was the subject of a lot of shouting at Craven Cottage last night as United secured a 1-0 win over Fulham thanks to Lisandro Martinez’s goal.
The Ineos owner would have taken note, but it remains likely that economic matters will take precedence over personal popularity.
Nonetheless, MUST have outlined what they hope will happen, including retaining players such as Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, with both linked with a move in January this year.
Their five-point plan was:
- Keep 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 fans and provide a rallying point where everyone can come together to support the team in the crucial final months of the season.
- Gather 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 increasing fan support.
- Consider alternative financing options:
- If additional funds are required due to exceptional circumstances, consider an alternative share issue for existing shareholders or give fans (or other investors) the opportunity to invest in their club on a fair and equal basis with major shareholders. We know many fans would welcome this opportunity.
- Poll fans about long-term changes:
- If you believe that ticket prices and policies at Old Trafford require significant correction, initiate a proper consultation process with affected fans. This ensures that decisions are made from the fans’ perspective and has the best chance of achieving unity rather than rebellion. You have to take the fans with you and not create any opposition.
- Preserve the club’s legacy:
- Resist the temptation to sell the fruits of the youth academy for short-term solutions unless they are consistent with a longer-term football strategy that honors 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 underachievement. Erik ten Hag was fired in October and Ruben Amorim took over. However, the Portuguese has yet to make a positive impression, with mixed results in recent weeks.
