Manchester United fans confront Sir Jim Ratcliffe over ticket prices

Manchester United fans confronted Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club’s co-owner, outside Craven Cottage following their match against Fulham. Fans voiced frustrations over rising ticket prices and the club’s recent cost-cutting measures, which have sparked widespread discontent.

Ratcliffe, whose company INEOS took over sporting control of Manchester United in February 2024, faced backlash from supporters who accused him of prioritising profits over fans.

The confrontation occurred as Ratcliffe sat in the back of a car, with one fan shouting, “£66 for a ticket? You’re worse than the Glazers!”

The £66 matchday ticket price, introduced in December, eliminated concessions for children and pensioners, affecting three per cent of tickets.

Fans have criticised this decision, particularly during a cost-of-living crisis in the UK. Manchester United defended the price hike, citing financial challenges.

Last week, a letter sent to fan groups acknowledged a £300m loss over the past three years and warned of potential breaches of Premier League profit and sustainability rules.

Under Ratcliffe’s leadership, cost-cutting measures have included redundancies affecting 250 staff members and reduced funding for the Manchester United Foundation. Despite these measures, the club continues to face criticism for its financial management, including costly managerial changes.

Fans have drawn comparisons between Ratcliffe’s ownership and the Glazer family’s tenure, expressing doubts about the new regime. Discontent was also evident in chants at the Fulham match, calling for the removal of the Glazers, who still hold a majority stake.

The situation highlights growing tensions between Manchester United’s leadership and its supporters, as financial challenges and unpopular decisions strain the relationship further.