Much has been made over the last few seasons of the ticket prices to watch Manchester United play and the business conduct of INEOS in general as they have made staff cuts and cutted costs in general, be it for employees bonuses or jobs.
On the other hand, it was reported previously that the financial situation of the Red Devils wasn’t at it’s best after Ratcliffe inherited the club from the Glazers and took over the sporting side of things with his consortium.
The reputation INEOS have since arriving is one of a business who aren’t afraid to be ruthless when it comes to business.
As United’s U21s host Athletic Bilbao in the Premier League International Cup at Old Trafford on September 24th, the ticket entry for the match has been tripled to £10 for adults with Children priced at £5.
According to a report in The Sun, in November, United charged just £3 for adults and £1.50 for Kids to watch the Under-19s against AZ Alkmaar, meaning the total cost for both a kid and adult to go to the game was £4.50 whereas now, with the ticket price hike it’s £15.
There was protests organised after United and Ratcliffe increased the costs of matchday tickets to £66 per game in the League.
Ratcliffe mentioned at the time that ‘it doesn’t make sense’ for a United ticket to cost less than a ticket to watch Fulham with the grandeur, appeal and demand to watch the Red Devils.
Ticket prices and staff cuts have been a hot topic of discussion since Ratcliffe’s arrival as INEOS have made some controversial decisions.
As the Under-21s travel to Brackley in the National League Cup on Tuesday night, adult ticket prices are priced at £7 whilst kids can go free at St James Park.
Patience will be wearing thin for United fans with the current state of the team’s on pitch performance, meaning fans are more likely to get angrier about aspects of the club they normally may not.
Whilst the prices are reasonable. it adds into the narrative of INEOS making following United pricey for fans.
