'Your debt not ours' - Man Utd fans send clear message to Sir Jim Ratcliffe & INEOS in protest against ticket price hike as club fear PSR breach

Ratcliffe, who is Britain’s richest man, is now working alongside the Glazer family at Old Trafford. While there have been promises of stadium redevelopment and plenty of transfer gossip, efforts to raise funds have attracted widespread criticism.

Club ambassadors have seen their payments cut, 250 members of staff have been made redundant and a flat rate of £66 has been introduced for match tickets – with all of those decisions being taken without any consultation with members of a loyal fan base.

Supporters made their feelings clear during a Europa League clash with Rangers, as a “your debt not ours” banner was unfurled in the stands. The 1958 group have also written to the club demanding some answers, with United’s response hinting at issues when it comes to Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR).

The Premier League giants have said: “As previously communicated, we are however currently making a significant loss each year – totalling over £300 million in the past three years. This is not sustainable and if we do not act now we are in danger of failing to comply with PSR/FFP [financial fair play] requirements in future years and significantly impacting our ability to compete on the pitch.

“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. 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.”

Those in attendance for a meeting with Rangers were treated to late drama as club captain Bruno Fernandes snatched a stoppage-time winner in a 2-1 victory. United, who sit 13th in the Premier League table, will be back in action on Sunday when taking in a trip to Fulham.