Manchester United

[El Prontonise]

35 minutes ago, The Fountain said:

Any club should offer a few grand less a week than the goalkeeping coach  

 

The goalkeeping coach comment was more tongue in cheek.

[mighty__mag]

 

[bobbydazzla]

12 minutes ago, mighty__mag said:

 

 

 

Anyone asked Ryan Giggs what he thinks about this ?

 

 

 

[Bimpy474]

17 minutes ago, mighty__mag said:

 

[Pata]

9 hours ago, Froggy said:

 

There is every need. If it doesn't go down well with the squad that second highest paid player is being called out for being a lazy piece of shit who can't keep his social life in check, then you have a problem.

 

Thankfully, decent sources suggest that Amorim's approach with Rashford is being backed by the squad, and rightly so.

 

I'm all for showing Rashford who's the boss but still feels a bit unnecessary. Comments like that won't raise his value and might put off some teams who could be interested in him if Man Utd pay a large piece of his ridiculous wages.

[Fak]

5 hours ago, bobbydazzla said:

Brexit Jim: Can I have the mail, please?

Baldy Dave Brailsford Who Lives In Monaco: Yeah, just one letter.

Brexit Jim: Dave, this is from Manchester United Supporters Trust.

Baldy Dave Brailsford Who Lives In Monaco: I know.

Brexit Jim: How many times have I told you, there’s a special filing cabinet for things from Manchester United Supporters Trust.

Baldy Dave Brailsford Who Lives In Monaco: You haven’t told me…

Brexit Jim: [Scrunches up and throws away the letter] It’s called the wastepaper basket !

 

That’s like some of the stuff that I write. 

[Conjo]

6 hours ago, Froggy said:

  Hide contents

An Open Letter to Sir Jim Ratcliffe on ticket pricing & policies

 

We write to you as representatives of the Manchester United supporter community, united in our love for the Club and driven by our collective desire to see Manchester United succeed on and off the pitch. As you consider forthcoming decisions on match ticketing policies and pricing, we urge you to pause and carefully reflect on the timing, potential consequences, and long-term impact of any major changes.

 

We recognise the club ultimately makes these decisions but our intention here is to offer honest counsel, some of which your employees may be reluctant to deliver to you, to help inform these decisions. We also want to put this on public record in the form of an open letter to ensure supporters understand our position too. 

Judging by your own public comments it seems you may have come to the conclusion that ticket pricing and policies are in need of a major review. However, we strongly believe that now is the worst possible time to implement significant changes. With the team struggling on the pitch and fan sentiment already at a low ebb, we all need to pull together to lift the team’s performance, not risk deepening divisions or creating further dissatisfaction.

 

Why This Is the Wrong Time

Fan Sentiment:

 

1. A price increase or significant ticketing policy changes would land very badly with fans at this time. Negative sentiment comes with financial costs, as discontent escalates into active protests and disillusionment.
2. This discontent could lead to outright rebellion, with consequences not just for matchday revenues but also for sponsor relations and the club’s global brand. Sponsors depend on a passionate and engaged fanbase; alienating supporters risks damaging these critical partnerships. Discontent also reduces fans' discretionary spend too.
3. And the potential to poison the well for stadium plans must be taken into consideration.

 

Impact on Atmosphere and Team Performance:

1. Fan dissatisfaction affects the matchday atmosphere, creating performance anxiety for players, rather than the vocal support needed to inspire them.
2. A passive or even hostile atmosphere at Old Trafford compounding struggling team performances could spiral into a catastrophic tailspin.
3. Should this happen, the financial losses from lost European qualification and a lower league position finish, would dwarf any potential gains from ticketing revenue increases.

Policy Mistakes Can Trigger Huge Reactions:

Pricing is the headline but changes to ticketing policies must be handled with even greater care. Major missteps without proper understanding of the unforeseen impacts could provoke severe backlash from fans, as history has shown.

Decisions made without proper consultation risk triggering disproportionate reactions and long-term damage to fan relations.

You particularly need to tread carefully around further restrictions or limitations on the ability of season ticket holders to pass on their tickets, a practice that is long established amongst supporters and nurtures our fan culture and community.

 

The Value of Supportive Fans

How much is good fan relations worth? Consider the following:

1. A warning signal that you are losing the crowd is the loss of the home advantage (does occasional heroic away performances interspersed with dismal home defeats and draws sound familiar?) 
2. The atmosphere generated by loyal and vocal fans drives the team forward, leading to better performances, higher league positions, and greater Premier League prize money.
3. Success in domestic and European competitions—fueled by fan support—has substantial financial rewards, not least European qualification for next season.

 

The opposite is of course true too, and poor atmosphere in the ground feeds poor performances. It is a symbiotic relationship both positively and negatively.

 

A Better Way Forward

Instead of making changes now, we urge you to adopt a more measured approach - work with the fans not against us, to rebuild Manchester United in the way you say you want to.

 

Hold Fire for This Season:

Be bold - freeze ticket prices for season ticket holders and members for next season. This would signal the club’s commitment to its supporters and create a rallying point for everyone to come together in support of the team for the crucial final months of the season.

 

Rally the Fans and Club Together:

Use this time to focus on maximizing performance on the pitch, securing European qualification through the Premier League or cup competitions, and strengthening fan support.

 

Consider Alternative Funding Options:

If additional funding is required for exceptional circumstances, explore another share issue for existing shareholders or allow fans (or other investors) the option to co-invest in their club on a fair and equal basis with the major shareholders. We know many fans would welcome this opportunity.

 

Consult Fans on Long-Term Changes:

If you believe ticket pricing and policies at Old Trafford require significant correction, initiate a proper consultation process with the supporters who will be impacted. This will ensure decisions are informed by fan perspectives and made with the best chance of securing unity rather than rebellion. You need to take fans with you, not create opposition.

 

Preserve the Club’s Legacy:

Resist the temptation to sell off the fruits of the youth academy for short-term fixes unless it aligns with a longer-term football strategy that honours Manchester United’s proud tradition of developing talent.

 

The Business Case for a bold approach

This is not simply about protecting supporters’ pockets. We understand the financial realities of running the club. However, there is a strong correlation between fan relations and both financial and on-field outcomes. Poorly timed changes to ticketing policies risk undermining the very atmosphere and support that drive success on the pitch, leading to far greater losses in revenue than any gains from ticket price increases or policy changes.

 

By freezing prices and avoiding major disruptive policy changes now, you have the opportunity to signal that you value the unique role of fans in Manchester United’s success. Together, we can build a stronger future for the club. The consequences of ignoring this are significant, but the benefits of getting it right are immeasurable.

 

We hope you will give this careful consideration and make the right decision for Manchester United’s future.

 

Yours sincerely,
The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST)

 

Open letter from the supporters trust to Ratcliffe for anyone interested.

 

 

 

 

Beta cucks openly admitting they'll buy tickets no matter what, with the added bonus of potentially bringing some actual noise ...erm..."hostile" atmosphere in the stadium. Seems like a win win for Brexit Jim.

[KaKa]

27 minutes ago, Pata said:

 

I'm all for showing Rashford who's the boss but still feels a bit unnecessary. Comments like that won't raise his value and might put off some teams who could be interested in him if Man Utd pay a large piece of his ridiculous wages.

 

Can't believe he's being that open and forthright about a player they're trying to shift 

[David Edgar]

"The car is shit. The head gasket is properly fucked. I am looking to sell this car."

[andycap]

Could jimmy not just transfer his own funds to the club for the running of the club? Like staff pay etc instead of sacking every fucker and hiking ticket prices. 

 

 

 

Edited January 27 by andycap

[astraguy]

Is rio "put Ur own money in" still a pundit? Haven't seen him around this season 

[El Prontonise]

4 minutes ago, astraguy said:

Is rio "put Ur own money in" still a pundit? Haven't seen him around this season 

 

Yes.

[astraguy]

1 minute ago, El Prontonise said:

 

Yes.

i must watch the right streams then

[Ben]

5 hours ago, mighty__mag said:

 

 

Imagine fucking up so much that you are now more unpopular then the blokes who continue to take millions out of the club every year 

[mighty__mag]

2 hours ago, Ben said:

 

Imagine fucking up so much that you are now more unpopular then the blokes who continue to take millions out of the club every year 

 

They're cursed, it's like they became the reflection of the Ashley years, but they spend none stop and consistently fuck everything up.

 

Even when they think they are getting it right, they're getting it wrong.

[Jaqen]

3 hours ago, Ben said:

 

Imagine fucking up so much that you are now more unpopular then the blokes who continue to take millions out of the club every year 

 

They probably couldn't believe their luck when he got involved like  Handed over £1b to take all the heat and give them a free pass. 

[Shays Given Tim Flowers]

Man United are being expertly ran by the Glazers. Both Liverpool and City are bigger clubs, Liverpool historically and City contemporaneously.

 

Froggy, do not post for 24 hours if you agree.

[midds]

2 hours ago, Shays Given Tim Flowers said:

Man United are being expertly ran by the Glazers. Both Liverpool and City are bigger clubs, Liverpool historically and City contemporaneously.

 

Froggy, do not post for 24 hours if you agree.

Do you deny that? 

 

"no"

 

"NO"

 

Thank you, Mr, Peter, Baxendale-Thomas

[dcmk]

Put this in the not worth a new thread topic.  But this might be a better place..

 

Does anyone think that the Saudis lack of interest in any Man Utd players are possibly due to the Dan Ashworth fallout?

 

Could partly be the reason why he was swiftly moved on?

 

Would have thought they would be interested in Rashford, Casemiro, etc.

[Heron]

9 minutes ago, dcmk said:

Put this in the not worth a new thread topic.  But this might be a better place..

 

Does anyone think that the Saudis lack of interest in any Man Utd players are possibly due to the Dan Ashworth fallout?

 

Could partly be the reason why he was swiftly moved on?

 

Would have thought they would be interested in Rashford, Casemiro, etc.

I think it's probably because those types are more likely to be horrific signings for the overall balance of the squad, personally.

 

I used to like Rashford, also think he just needs a new start, but he'd have to drop like 66% of his wages and sort himself oot to get anywhere near us for me.

 

Would far rather we got another rough diamond to polish personally.

[dcmk]

4 minutes ago, Heron said:

I think it's probably because those types are more likely to be horrific signings for the overall balance of the squad, personally.

 

I used to like Rashford, also think he just needs a new start, but he'd have to drop like 66% of his wages and sort himself oot to get anywhere near us for me.

 

Would far rather we got another rough diamond to polish personally.

Oh apologies I should have been clearer.

 

I mean in terms of those players being picked up by teams in the Saudi league.  Casemiro out of the two I would have thought a Saudi club would have been all over.

 

Was wondering because the relationship between us and Man Utd broke down spectacularly, whether Man Utd has been basically black balled, and no Saudi clubs are willing to pick up their cast offs.

[McDog]

Just now, dcmk said:

Oh apologies I should have been clearer.

 

I mean in terms of those players being picked up by teams in the Saudi league.  Casemiro out of the two I would have thought a Saudi club would have been all over.

 

Was wondering because the relationship between us and Man Utd broke down spectacularly, whether Man Utd has been basically black balled, and no Saudi clubs are willing to pick up their cast offs.

 

 

I highly doubt that but we can't really know.

[dcmk]

4 hours ago, McDog said:

 

 

I highly doubt that but we can't really know.

I know we won't ever find out.. It's just a theory based on not much..

 

But think before the whole Dan Ashworth episode there had been interest in Casemiro from Saudi teams. And some of their other players as well.  But they never signed. 

 

Personally would love it to be true. And could partially explain why Dan Ashworth didn't last long there. When INEOS realised how toxic he was, and in the hope it repairs that relationship they sack him - leaving just before for Jan transfer window.

 

 

 

 

Edited February 1 by dcmk

[McDog]

Just now, dcmk said:

I know we won't ever find out.. It's just a theory based on not much..

 

But think before the whole Dan Ashworth episode there had been interest in Casemiro from Saudi teams. And some other of their players.  But they never get signed. 

 

Personally would love it to be true. And could partially explain why Dan Ashworth didn't last long, in hope it repairs that relationship, leaving just before for Jan transfer window.

 

 

 

 

My own personal opinion is that Ashworth took the job thinking he had power to do what he thought was best with lots of resources. Rat Face didn't like what he was hearing at all and he likely clashed with Omar Berrada and Sir Ratty pulled the plug since two of the three didn't agree and frog marched out he was that gardening lad. As for Saudi? I really have no idea if any of that including the Newcastle stuff played any role in lack of offers.

[Shays Given Tim Flowers]