Exclusive: Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plan under threat as Man United fans make new move
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plan to increase Manchester United’s ticket prices is under threat after a recent move by the club’s fans, sources have told Football Insider.
Man United have hiked their ticket prices over the past couple of seasons, making Ratcliffe a largely unpopular figure among the Old Trafford faithful.
The increases have led to Man United charging up to £97 this season for category A fixtures, while their most expensive ticket in 2024-25 was £66.
It has been revealed Man United fan groups are now backing the Football Supporters’ Association’s (FSA) nationwide campaign to freeze home ticket prices for two seasons.
It isn’t just an issue at Old Trafford, with 19 Premier League clubs raising their prices last season and 13 doing so for the current campaign.
Man United planning to increase ticket prices again
Ticket prices at Old Trafford were previously frozen for 11 years before the increases started in 2022.
Man United fans protested against the rise in ticket prices alongside other Premier League clubs’ supporters last season.
While that action didn’t have an impact at Old Trafford, Manchester City decided to freeze their season ticket prices alongside Liverpool, West Ham, Brentford, Tottenham, Wolves and Burnley for this campaign.
It is understood Man United are planning to continue increasing their ticket prices by up to 5 per cent a season over the coming years in a bid to improve their financial situation.
However, the FSA’s campaign to freeze ticket prices is threatening Man United’s plans.
“We want the Premier League and clubs to work closely with us, to establish proper structures for ticketing discussion,” said the FSA in a statement last month.
“This can’t be done overnight and it can’t easily be done under the pressure of even more price increases. Supporter organisations across the top-flight are increasingly concerned about pricing trends in the division. This is an issue clubs must take seriously, listen, and work with their supporters to ensure football is affordable.”
Man United consider controversial ticket price move
Ratcliffe’s plans to build a new stadium are also expected to lead to ticket prices increasing.
Man United are looking to build a 100,000-seater stadium as part of the government’s regeneration of the Old Trafford area.
The Daily Mail reported on in July the Manchester giants are considering charging fans up to £4,000 for the right to buy a season ticket at the new facility.
The newspaper said a highly controversial introduction of a ‘Personal Seat Licence’, which is commonplace in the US, was one of several proposals presented to fans by Minnesota-based consultants CSL International.
In terms of the financial situation at Old Trafford, Man United generate the second-highest revenue in the Premier League after their turnover increased from £662m in 2023-24 to £667m last season.
That was boosted by an uplift in matchday income, which improved from £137m to £160m.
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