Man Utd make PSR breach admission after raising ticket prices
- Man Utd controversially raised ticket prices midway through season
- Fan group urged Red Devils to reconsider
- Club officials now admit battle to meet PSR regulations
By Tom Gott
Manchester United have confessed they are at risk of breaking Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) in a letter to fans justifying their decision to increase ticket prices.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have overseen a series of unpopular cost-cutting measures at Old Trafford, and they were accused of "exploiting the fanbase" by supporters' group The 1958 when they raised ticket prices in November.
The 1958 voiced those concerns in a letter to United and published the response received from the club on social media, in which the Red Devils admit to fearing PSR breaches.
"We agree that our fans are what makes Manchester United the greatest football club in the world," the letter began.
"We are however currently making a significant loss each year - totalling over £300m in the past 3 years. This is not sustainable and if we do not act now we are in danger of failing to comply with PSR/FFP requirements in future years and significantly impacting our ability to compete on the pitch."
Currently, Premier League clubs are permitted to make losses of up to £105m over any three-year period to stay within PSR regulations.
"We will get back to a cash positive position as soon as possible and we will have to make some difficult choices to get there," the letter continues. "That has included a significant reduction to our workforce as well as cuts across many areas of spend across our club.
"We do not expect fans to make up all the current shortfall - but we do need to look at our ticketing strategy to ensure we are charging the right amount, and offering the right discounts, across our products for our fans."
These financial concerns have sparked questions about the futures of a number of first-team players, with Alejandro Garnacho one of several big names linked with big-money departures in the January transfer window.