Man Utd forced to make embarrassing decision ahead of Manchester derby

Manchester United have been forced to slash ticket prices for this weekend’s derby against local rivals Manchester City.

After a lengthy international break, United return to Premier League action on Sunday with a home match against Pep Guardiola’s City.

Manchester United thumped struggling Leicester City before the international break but remain just 13th in the Premier League.

Man City, meanwhile, are fifth as they look to end a disappointing season with Champions League qualification and FA Cup glory following their quarter-final victory over Bournemouth on Sunday.

The price of tickets has been a controversial topic at Old Trafford this season after Sir Jim Ratcliffe raised prices for home games to a minimum of £66 and removed concessions for kids and OAPs.

But thousands of tickets were still available for Sunday’s Manchester derby so United have been forced to cut the price, according to The Sun.

Tickets have been put back on sale for £40 (£25 for concessions), with United now optimistic of a sell-out.

Manchester United fans’ group 1958 are organising a protest at ticket prices at the derby, with fans urged to stage a ‘sit-in’ by remaining in their seats following the full-time whistle.

Steve Crompton, a spokesman for The 1958, said: ‘I think probably one of the most impactful [protests] we’ve done was the sit-in.

‘We will be running another one of those against Manchester City next weekend.’

Last month, the Manchester United Supporters Trust called on the club to ‘listen to the voice of the fans’ after a 5% rise of season ticket prices was confirmed.

A spokesperson from the organisation said: ‘What the reaction to these recent changes should tell the club is just how important it is to conduct proper fan consultation when it comes to proposed policy changes.

‘These are tough times at Manchester United, both on and off the field. We will only pull out of this slump if the whole club comes together. That means listening to the voice of the fans.’

Manchester United, the most successful team in Premier League history, have occupied a bottom-half position for most of the season.

The Red Devils were dismal under former boss Erik ten Hag but performances have barely improved under his replacement Ruben Amorim.

Thousands of fans protested against the club’s owners before the Premier League clash against Arsenal last month.

Manchester United look set to finish in the bottom-half of the Premier League but could yet qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League.

Amorim’s side face French outfit Lyon in the quarter-finals of the competition, with the first leg of the ties taking place on April 10.

Man City were knocked out of the Champions League by holders Real Madrid but look set to re-qualify for Europe’s top competition in the Premier League.

Guardiola’s side are also two games away from another FA Cup trophy. They face Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals, with Crystal Palace meeting Aston Villa in the other Wembley clash.

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