‘Old Trafford full of tourists because Man United stink as INEOS raise prices’
Man United fans have seen ticket prices raised and Old Trafford fill with tourists because the club “stinks and can’t win”, according to Simon Jordan.
Part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was confronted by a group of angry United fans after their 1-0 win over Fulham (26 January) [The Mirror], as they questioned his decision to raise ticket prices to £66.
This is just the latest instalment of cost-cutting measures being introduced by the INEOS billionaire, that have included making 250 staff redundant and stripping Sir Alex Ferguson of his ambassadorial role [The Mirror].
Ratcliffe’s decision to raise the cost of tickets was the topic of a heated discussion between journalist, Alex Crook, and former Crystal Palace owner, Simon Jordan, on talkSPORT on 28 January (12.11pm).
Jordan and Crook went back and forth before the former Palace owner claimed the diluted atmosphere at Old Trafford was because the poor quality side, as Crook bemoaned the lack of local fans.
Jordan said: “The reasons why you’re sticking the product prices up is because you’re trying to change the direction of travel. Now they wanted a change of ownership, they can’t get one because people are not prepared to pay what the Glazer’s are asking for, so they’ve got the next best thing. Which was their man. They wanted him! They’ve now got him. He’s now making changes, and they don’t want it. Ocean liners don’t turn quickly.”
Crook: “You mentioned supply and demand there earlier, the stadium is always full, but is it full of the people that you need in there? There were Rangers fans in the home end, you want the hardcore supporters, you want the young Manchester United fans to be able to watch their team. You’re pricing out a generation. I’m not gonna pay 66 quid a ticket for my three kids to watch this team. I’m not gonna do it.”
Jordan: “It’s interesting because we’ve often said it’s gonna happen, we said television was gonna kill football, it hasn’t. Football stadiums are full…”
Crook interrupts: “But the atmosphere is diluted with day-trippers and tourists instead of hardcore fans.”
Jordan: “That’s because your team stinks and can’t win!”
Man United burdening fans with pricy tickets amid PSR claims
Football Insider Verdict
Ratcliffe sent a letter to United fans warning them that the club may be at risk of breaching profit and sustainability rules (PSR), and that ticket prices may (and have) rise as a result [BBC Sport].
United fans have responded to the club, accusing them of exploiting the fans, as the price rises also do not include concessions for pensioners or children [BBC Sport].
The decision to raise prices mid-season is especially deplorable, as United have confirmed they spent £10.4million sacking Erik ten Hag, and then spending a further £11million on Ruben Amorim’s release clause.
Those manager moves make some sense, as Ten Hag struggled to have any positive impact at United, but the decision to sack Dan Ashworth in a move that ultimately cost United around £10million is truly puzzling.
The message that sends is simple, our failings as a club are your costs to shoulder, as fans.
For a club with infamously large revenue streams globally, the decision to start pricing out their most loyal supporters is a grim affair.
Ratcliffe brought the fan-fair of simply not being part of the Glazer family, surely he would make things better?
That narrative is quickly falling apart as United are having yet another disappointing season, and the one thing the Glazer’s cannot be criticised for, is burdening fans with extortionate prices to watch the team.
PSR concerns may also see United fans lose out on watching one of their academy graduates play for the team, as Alejandro Garnacho may leave for Chelsea in a cut-price deal.
In other news, Mason Mount and Amad have reacted to a cryptic message for a United star.
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