“When you first walk into that ground at the age of five or 10, you fall in love with that team running out in that red shirt, in that great stadium,” the Bury-born Gary Neville once said. “And it’s an addiction you have for life.” This sense of allure seems to be fading outside Old Trafford, where its grandeur and appeal have diminished in recent years.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe was expected to be the man to restore unity among those disillusioned by the club's decline, but he has already become a target of criticism. Financial issues are mounting, with Manchester United posting net losses of £113.2m for the 12 months ending 30 June. Ratcliffe acknowledges that “difficult and unpopular decisions” are necessary.
The minority owner faces backlash from supporters for raising ticket prices mid-season and eliminating concessions for children and seniors, making the starting price to watch a match £66. Previously, adult tickets started at £40, and children and pensioners could attend for £25. Ratcliffe's defense—“I don’t think it makes sense for a Manchester United ticket to cost less than a ticket to see Fulham”—has not appeased fans.
From a purported saviour, Ratcliffe has earned the nickname “the Monaco Manc,” living a life far removed from those who attend matches. Generations have attended Old Trafford, but these traditions are at risk due to the club's push for “stronger financial footing.” This has resulted in 250 staff departures, the end of Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassadorial role, and fans feeling the brunt of the changes.
Steve Crompton from The 1958 supporters group criticizes the price increase, stating, “You don’t bite the hand that feeds you. We understand the club is in a financial mess, but that debt is the club’s debt, not the fans’. They need to be mindful of that.” Protests organized by The 1958 at Old Trafford last Sunday conveyed the message: “Stop Exploiting Loyalty.”
Modern Premier League clubs often prioritize single-match attendees and megastore sales over loyal supporters. The latest Premier League broadcast deal is worth £12.25bn, yet there seems to be little recognition that full stadiums and passionate supporters are crucial to the product being sold. Tickets for Forest’s visit were available the day before, possibly indicating fans are reluctant to stretch their finances.
United fan Ste Thom, who brings his eight-year-old daughter to matches, fears children will be priced out. “If they’re going to be raising the single match-day prices, you can only see that there’s going to be an increase in the season ticket price as well,” he says.
Ratcliffe acknowledges the need to balance community support with revenue optimization. However, the risk is that the club is becoming less Manchester and far from united.
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