The Sun reported that Manchester United announced that they would raise ticket prices again, this time in a youth training academy match held in Old Trafford, and fans commented on polarization.
Previously, fans have sparked strong protests due to a series of first-team ticket price hikes implemented by Sir Ratcliff since his acquisition of the club's minority stake in February last year. Manchester United U21 youth team will face Athletic Bilbao at home at Old Trafford on September 24 to participate in the Premier League International Cup. Adult tickets for the game have risen to £10, three times the original price, and children's tickets are priced at £5.
Last November, when Manchester United held the U19 Youth Team vs. Alkmaar at the Dream Theater, adult tickets were only £3 and children's tickets were £1.50. This means that the total cost of an adult carrying a child to watch the game was £4.50 at the time, while the same ticketing portfolio against Bilbao now costs £15, an increase of up to 233%.
The Sun has contacted Manchester United club for comment on the matter.
Unlike the rising ticket prices that caused public anger last year, fans' reactions are polarized this time. Some fans wrote: "This type of game should be open for free! £10 is a joke, I hope the stadium is empty."
But some fans said: "The pricing is fine, it's just a few pounds."
Manchester United U21 youth team usually set the league home court in the village of Reg Sports 13 miles away from Old Trafford. Previously, this type of competition has been free to watch. Since Ratcliffe acquired a minority stake in Manchester United last year, the rise in ticket prices and layoffs have continued to cause controversy.
Manchester United decided to increase the single-game ticket of the Premier League to £66 in the middle of the season, and did not offer discounts to children or the elderly. Fans have organized protests against the premium, and Ratcliff added fuel to the fire in an interview with United We Stand.
He said at the time: "It is illogical that Manchester United tickets are lower than London club Fulham."