Sir Jim Ratcliffe is at risk of breaking one of his Manchester United promises amid ticket row

There is a line that sticks out the most from Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s interview on the increase of ticket prices, one that essentially sums up his reasoning.

“I’m very cognisant that we have to look after the community because it’s the community’s team, but equally I want to optimise the revenue from people who can afford it.” The question is, who exactly can afford it?

The Manchester United Supporters Trust called the decision to hike matchday ticket prices to £66 and scrap concessions until the end of the season as a “disgrace”. Separately, some fans held a protest ahead of last Sunday’s win over Everton.

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United say they have made the decision to help put them “on a stronger financial footing” - after publishing losses of £113million for the year ending June 30, despite receiving record revenues.

Supporters have played their part. They are not responsible for that deep cash deficit. Yet, they are the ones having to pay the price. And for many, this latest shift, amid a cost of living crisis, will be the final nail in the coffin.

In a rather embarrassing tweet less than 24 hours before kick-off, the club’s matchday social media account revealed that tickets for Saturday night’s game against Nottingham Forest were still available to buy. Those in defence of the club may argue there is no correlation.

One of the justifications Ratcliffe gave for the rise in prices somewhat misses the mark. “I don’t think it makes sense for a Manchester United ticket to cost less than a ticket to see Fulham,” he argued.

Fulham, by the way, who have so far won more Premier League games, have scored more goals and