Sir Jim Ratcliffe in trouble as Manchester United fans protest ticket price hikes

Tensions erupted outside Craven Cottage on Saturday as a group of Manchester United fans confronted the club’s co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, over rising ticket prices and the state of the club following their 2-1 victory against Fulham.

The supporters, who have voiced their displeasure with the club’s recent financial measures, took the opportunity to express their frustrations directly to Ratcliffe after the match.

The confrontation unfolded as Ratcliffe, whose company INEOS assumed sporting control of Manchester United in February 2024, was seated in the back of a car outside the stadium. As the vehicle drove past, a fan shouted, “£66 for a ticket? You’re worse than the Glazers!”

The remark referenced the controversial ticket price hike, which saw matchday prices for some fans rise to £66, a change that came into effect in December.

This increase, which eliminated concessions for children and pensioners, has sparked outrage among a significant portion of Manchester United’s fanbase, especially in light of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis in the UK. The club’s decision to impose the price hike was defended by Manchester United officials, who pointed to financial difficulties, including a £300 million loss over the past three years, and the looming threat of potential breaches of Premier League profit and sustainability rules.

In a letter sent to fan groups last week, the club acknowledged these financial losses and warned that the situation could worsen. Despite these revelations, supporters have continued to accuse the club’s new ownership under Ratcliffe of prioritising profits over the welfare of fans.

The introduction of cost-cutting measures, such as redundancies affecting 250 staff members and reductions in funding for the Manchester United Foundation, has not helped improve public sentiment.

Ratcliffe’s leadership has been met with growing dissatisfaction, and many fans have drawn direct comparisons between his tenure and that of the Glazer family, who were widely criticised for their controversial ownership of the club. The Glazers still hold a majority stake in Manchester United, and chants calling for their removal were heard during the Fulham match, underscoring the deep-rooted frustrations of the fanbase.

The growing unrest highlights the widening rift between Manchester United’s leadership and its supporters, who feel increasingly alienated by the club’s financial decisions and perceived lack of regard for their loyalty. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Ratcliffe and the club’s management will be able to bridge the gap and restore faith among the Red Devils’ faithful.