Manchester United fan group The 1958 has issued a statement criticising the club’s decision to increase season ticket prices.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos chiefs have made it known that Manchester United has financial problems off the pitch.
United fans know this is from over 20-years of gross mismanagement from the Glazers.
The club has lost over £370m over the past five years, which is unsustainable, especially when clubs can record a maximum loss of £105m over a three-year reporting period under the profit and sustainability rules (PSR).
It doesn’t help that United have continued to struggle on the pitch after appointing Ruben Amorim as head coach, although there has been a slight improvement in results lately.
Ratcliffe has decided to hit fans in the pockets ahead of the 2025/26 season, even though United are not meeting supporter expectations on the pitch. It’s a decision that has subjected the club to criticism.
The 1958 react to season ticket price hikes
Manchester United announced on Monday that most prices will increase by about 5% for the third successive year, after previously freezing season ticket prices for 11 consecutive seasons.
They revealed a price freeze for under-16s this time around, but some senior citizens face the biggest hikes, which feels very harsh given they’ve shown the most loyalty towards the team over the years.
A 50% discount for some of those fans has been halved to 25% and the age has increased one year from 65 to 66.
United fan group The 1958 says that equates to a 57% increase for the club’s “most loyal generational fans who have supported the club for decades.”
A statement read: “This is the first phase of reducing the amount of season ticket holders.
“We have always campaigned the club are trying to marginalise matchgoing fans. Cutting the 50% OAP concession to 25% for those who had it is a total disgrace.”
Unrest could lead to more Manchester United protests
The 1958 recently organised protests before Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal.
Thousands of fans gathered in the Manchester sunshine to form the biggest anti-ownership protest since Sir Jim Ratcliffe became co-owner.
The fans in attendance were protesting against the recent £66 ticket price rise.
Sadly, Ratcliffe didn’t listen and the club followed through with more price hikes for its loyal supporters.
The 1958 want a custodian who loves the club and will put match-going fans first. It shouldn’t be too much to ask of a billionaire claiming to be a boyhood United fan, despite previously bidding to buy Chelsea.
We can expect The 1958 to continue protesting if their concerns remain ignored.
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