1
Manchester United issued a response to 1958 and Fans’ Union 58 after concerns were raised about ticket price increases and the treatment of supporters.
By the end of last year, fans were furious following United’s decision to increase matchday ticket prices to £66 per game, with no concessions for children or pensioners.
The decision led to hundreds of United fans turning out to protest outside Old Trafford ahead of the club’s meeting with Everton on December 1.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe defended the move, claiming that paying less than 1 for Fulham meant a United ticket would not make sense. The Ineos billionaire also refused to rule out further ticket increases.
Fan groups have expressed their anger at the club to United CEO Omar Berrada and Director of Fan Engagement Rick McGagh.
United issued a response, acknowledging that it risked breaching Profit and Sustainability (PSR) rules and that the move was necessary to increase profits.
United outlined their delicate financial situation in a letter delivered to two fan groups.
“Dear 1958 and Fan Coalition 58, I would like to thank Omar Berrada (CEO) and Rick McGagh (Director of Fan Engagement) for the letter received.”
“We agree that our fans make Manchester United the greatest football club in the world. We greatly value and appreciate the loyalty and passion our fans have for the club, and we appreciate that this makes a huge difference to our team. “We are determined to ensure that current fans can continue to attend games and that future fans will have access to tickets.”
“As previously communicated, we are currently incurring significant losses each year. Over 300 million pounds over the last three years. “This is not sustainable and if we do not act now we risk non-compliance with PSR/FFP requirements in the coming years, significantly impacting our ability to compete for our pitches.”
“We will get back to a cash-positive position as quickly as possible and we will have to make difficult choices to get there. This has included significant reductions to our workforce and cuts in many areas of spending across the club. None of this has been easy, but we believe it is essential to restore financial sustainability to the club. The club will support us as we return to the top of English and European football.”
“We don’t expect fans to make up all of the current shortfalls, but we do need to look at our ticketing strategy to make sure we’re charging the right amount and offering the right discounts for our fans.”
“We have been working on this matter with the Fans’ Advisory Board (FAD) for formal consultation to help shape and formulate a proposal for our ownership group to decide on. The Fab is not a decision-making body, it is a recommendation. However, we are committed to working collaboratively to achieve the best outcome for the fans and the club.”
“Once we have an approved strategy and pricing policy for the 25/26 season, we will communicate the details to all our fans.”
“No decision has been made at this time and a consultation process will begin. Until we get results we won’t say any more about what changes will happen next season. However, we would like to share with you the views you express in your letter ahead of the debate so that we can clearly understand your views.”
“Finally, we’re always happy to hear fan-driven ideas on how to increase revenue, so please share your thoughts on them.”
“Thank you for sharing your views on this important issue.”
Over the past year, United have introduced a variety of cost-cutting measures, and recent reports have revealed that former players and current club ambassadors Brian Robson, Andy Cole and Dennis Irwin will face significant cuts in their salaries from next season.
Bluesky: Follow us at @peoplesperson.bsky.social
