Man United fans stage protest against Sir Jim Ratcliffe after his decision to raise ticket prices midway through the season

Manchester United fans turned out in their hundreds outside Old Trafford before Sunday’s game against Everton to protest against the club’s decision to raise matchday ticket prices to £66 per game, with no concessions for children or pensioners.

In front of the Trinity Statue, United fans held onto a ‘Stop Exploiting Loyalty’ banner, with chants against Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazers, accusing them of being ‘touts’ and ‘taking the p***’.

Liverpool and Manchester City fans were due to host a similar protest before they face off at Anfield later on in solidarity with the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) campaign.

‘The rivalry between these four clubs has been, and is, fierce. But we all go to games, love our club and want to keep football affordable for future generations while protecting heritage and communities,’ said a spokesperson for Man United fan group FC58.

‘The only way we can achieve this is collaboration. This is our first step. This movement will grow.’

Hundreds came together in front of the stadium, with flares set off and chants of ‘Jim Ratcliffe’s a ****’, followed up with numerous chants of ‘Glazers out’.

This was sparked by a ticket price hike and fans called on the club to ‘Stop exploiting loyalty’ 

One banner read: ‘Local lad Sir Jim charges £66 for OAPs + juniors. Stop exploiting loyalty’

United this week triggered outrage in the fanbase after setting ticket prices at £66 and abolishing concessions – a decision called a ‘disgusting low blow’ by one supporters group.

In a hugely controversial move – the latest measure in Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos’s ongoing drive to cut costs and increase revenues – the Premier League club have delivered eyewatering increases for the rest of the season.

United say that only three per cent of supporters will be affected as 97 per cent of tickets for all remaining matches have already been sold. And officials are adamant that nothing has yet been decided for next season.

However, the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust hit out at the club for providing ‘zero consultation’ over the staggering hike and claimed they are being asked to pay for the mistakes of majority owners the Glazer family in what is an ‘offensive’ act.

Prices had started at £40 for adults and £25 for children but tickets will now be charged at the highest category, A, regardless of where they are located in Old Trafford.

‘There is a risk that this is only the opening salvo of what will surely be massive pressure to implement a significant price rise for next season,’ a MUST spokesperson said. ‘Once they have got used to charging £132 for a parent and child to come to OT, will they really go back to the old pricing levels for next season?’