The Manchester United Supporters' Association (MUST) has called on Sir Jim Ratcliffe to freeze season ticket prices and refrain from selling young talent to the club or risk “outright rebellion”.
The cost of watching matches at Old Trafford has recently risen without fans consulting with the club, explaining that the move was needed to help improve “operational efficiency” and “revenue stability”.
Season ticket prices are currently being set for next season and hope they will remain at the same levels as the current season.
An open letter to Sir Jim Ratcliffe regarding ticket prices and policies
Read the full message here:https://t.co/eSj4KrCYmt
Also follow the topic below…#MUFC
– Must (@MU_ST) January 27, 2025
In an open letter to Ratcliffe, MUST wrote: “Fare increases or significant changes to ticket policy would impact fans very badly at this time. Negative sentiment comes with a financial cost, as discontent escalates into active protests and disillusionment.
“This discontent could lead to outright rebellion, with consequences not only for matchday revenues but also for sponsor relationships and the club’s global brand.”
Ratcliffe was the subject of vitriolic cheers at Craven Cottage last night as United secured a 1-0 win over Fulham thanks to a Lisandro Martinez goal.
The owner of Ineos could have taken this into consideration, but it remains likely that economic issues will take precedence over personal popularity.
However, MUST have made clear what they hope will happen, which includes retaining the likes of Kobe Maino and Alejandro Garnacho, both of whom are linked with moves away next January.
Their five-point plan states:
- Hold the 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 support the team in the crucial final months of the season.
- Bringing the fans and the club together:
- Use this time to focus on maximizing on-pitch performance, securing European qualification through the Premier League or cup competitions, and building fan support.
- Consider alternative financing options:
- If additional funding is required for exceptional circumstances, explore a further share issue to existing shareholders or allow fans (or other investors) the option to co-invest in their club on a fair and equal basis with major shareholders. We know that many fans will welcome this opportunity.
- Consult fans on long-term changes:
- If you believe that Old Trafford's ticket prices and policies require significant correction, initiate an appropriate consultation process with the fans who will be affected. This will ensure that decisions are informed from the fans' point of view and are made with the best chance of securing unity rather than rebellion. You have to take the fans with you, not create opposition.
- Preserving the club’s heritage:
- Resist the temptation to sell the fruits of the youth academy for short-term fixes unless they are aligned with a long-term football strategy that honors Manchester United's proud tradition of developing talent.
Last night's win lifted United to 12th in the table, but it was another season of underachievement. Erik ten Hag was sacked in October and Ruben Amorim took over. However, the Portuguese is yet to make a positive impact, with mixed results over recent weeks.
