Manchester United have increased the ticket price for members to £66 and scrapped concession prices for the rest of this season. The decision has been met with dismay by supporters, who fear it is the first step before a “significant price increase” next season.

The move is part of co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s efforts to make United more financially viable in the face of losses. Previously these tickets cost £40 for adults and £25 for children. Of the seats available to members for the remainder of the season, 97% have been sold and the revenue raised from the increase is expected to be in the low millions of pounds.

In the long term, Ratcliffe believes that more judicious investment in football operations is the best way to make United more financially sound. Its debts total £714m, made up of long-term loans of £481.7m and short-term loans of £232.3m. The latter rose from £36.5m in the June accounts due to United’s revolving credit facility, which provides access to short-term funding and appears to fluctuate throughout the year.

A statement from the Manchester United Supporters Trust in response to the ticket price changes said: “The club has not carried out any consultations on this matter, either with the Forum, the Supporters’ Advisory Council or with MUST.” We were only informed of the decision that there would be price increases for certain fans that are “urgently needed” to address profitability and sustainability concerns.

“There is a risk that this is just the opening salvo of what will certainly be massive pressure to impose a significant price increase for next season. Once they get used to charging £132 for parent and child (Old Trafford), are they really going to go back to the old prices for next season?”

United and Everton fans will protest against ticket prices ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash. Fans are being asked to gather next to the Trinity statue outside Old Trafford to support the Football Supporters’ Association’s ‘Stop Exploiting Loyalty’ campaign. In addition to the general increase in prices, fans are also dissatisfied with the abolition of discounted tickets for certain groups.