Manchester United increase security for Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Manchester United have increased the amount of security that they have for co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe at home games taking place at Old Trafford.

As uncovered by SunSport, Ratcliffe is now escorted by security into Old Trafford after being driven to the entrance of the Stretford End.

It had been the case that he was driven to the Stretford End entrance previously but he had been able to take selfies with supporters before entering the stadium.

Now, however, a minder has to give an okay before Ratcliffe is escorted up the stairs. The area that the Manchester United co-owner enters is the area where season ticket holders are due to make way for more hospitality seating, creating more tension.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s unpopular actions at Manchester United

Anger from supporters has been prolonged for the co-owner, even when the team on the field has been succeeding.

Ratcliffe’s comments on immigration earlier this year, where he stated that the United Kingdom had been “colonised” by immigrants sparked anger from fan groups including Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club who explained that the comments were “deeply concerning.”

Although the 73-year-old would go onto apologise for these comments, supporters continued to express their anger through a protest against the comments in March.

It is not just comments on immigration that have angered Red Devils fans, however, with the rising of season ticket prices also annoying fans including the Manchester United Supporters Trust who stated that they “have been and remain opposed to price increases” in their statement after the announcement.

They added: “Though we have always been vigilant on matters related to ticketing, current circumstances make a price rise even harder to stomach.

“The team languishes in 13th place [at the time]. United face financial problems arising from neglected investment, ruinous debt, and gross mismanagement—all of which we predicted prior to the takeover.”

Tensions between supporters and the hierarchy could continue to increase over the coming months as Sir Jim Ratcliffe, alongside INEOS, aim to further streamline Manchester United’s finances and make the club better.

Further security measures could be taken should supporters react negatively to these actions with the current actions a reflection of the relationship between Ratcliffe and United fans now.

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