- Fan groups had written to Man United amid concerns over rising ticket prices.
- Man United claimed their recent 'significant losses' were not sustainable
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Manchester United have fueled fears over rising ticket prices at Old Trafford next season by confirming the club must make “difficult decisions” to become profitable again.
New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has instigated a series of cuts since his £1.3bn minority takeover, including angering fans by raising prices to £66 mid-season and removing children's concessions and retirees.
They have raised concerns about widespread increases in the summer, with protest group The 1958 and fans coalition FC58 writing to United urging the club to not only freeze season ticket prices but also consider reducing them.
United responded by saying the club did not expect fans to cover all of its losses, but admitted the matter is under discussion in consultation with its Supporters Advisory Council. Surprisingly, United also invited both agencies to offer their own money-saving suggestions.
Responding on behalf of chief executive Omar Berrada and director of fan engagement Rick McGagh, United wrote: 'We are currently making a significant loss each year, totaling over £300 million over the last 3 years. This is not sustainable and if we do not act now we are in danger of failing to meet PSR/FFP requirements for years to come and significantly impacting our ability to compete in the field.
'We will return to a positive cash position as soon as possible and will have to make some difficult decisions to achieve this. This has included a significant reduction in our workforce, as well as cuts to many areas of spending across our club. None of this has been easy, but we believe it is essential to restoring the financial sustainability of the club which will sustain us as we work to return to the top of English and European football.
Man United fueled fears of rising ticket prices by admitting need for 'difficult decisions'
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made major cuts to the club in a bid to make it profitable
Man United cited losses totaling more than £300m over the last three years in their response to fans.
'We don't expect fans to make up all of the current shortfall, but we do need to review our ticketing strategy to ensure we are charging the right amount and offering the right discounts on all our products for our fans.
'Once we have an approved strategy and pricing policy for the 25/26 season, we will communicate the details to all fans. So far no decision has been made and the consultation process is beginning. Until we have a result, we will not make any further comments on what may or may not change for next season.”
The club's letter concluded by saying: “We are always happy to hear fans' ideas on ways to increase revenue, so please share any thoughts you have on this.”
1958 and FC58 had urged the club not to increase the price of tickets for fans attending matches.
They wrote: 'Football must remain accessible to everyone, not just the privileged few. By making tickets unaffordable, clubs risk distancing themselves from the people who have supported them through thick and thin, eroding the soul of the game for short-term financial gain. It's time to prioritize fans, not profits.
“Now, the club is faced with another choice: prioritize short-term financial gains, money we believe is largely inconsequential to the sustainability and success of our club, or invest in the long-term preservation of the community and the culture that defines Manchester United.
The 1958 and FC58 urged the club not to discount fans who attend matches by increasing the cost of tickets.
'We know the club will argue that every penny generated is reinvested, but income from increases in ticket prices for general admission and season ticket holders represents a fraction of the club's total income. Now that the club has the largest capacity in the country, a strong corporate offering, more matches in the expanded European Leagues format (and increased revenue from these competitions), plus the prospect of greater participation from the new TV rights deal £12.25 billion. , this further reduces the impact of year-on-year price increases.
'It is a myth that it is necessary to increase the price of tickets to remain competitive. Putting a price on fans' risks undermines the very foundations of what makes our club special.
'The prices of general tickets and season tickets will be reduced for next season. The Football Supporters' Association has called for the entire Premier League to be frozen, but we believe prices are already too high and should be reduced.'
