Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has fired a broadside at Manchester United's decision to hike season ticket prices at Old Trafford. The Old Trafford outfit have come under fire from fans and pundits after a controversial move.

The Red Devils, under new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, have made a number of PR gaffes in recent weeks. None have courted as much controversy, however, as the decision to increase ticket prices to £66 per game, scrapping concessions for children and pensioners, which led to fan protests.

It's a subject which will resonate with Newcastle fans. The subject has become a hot topic among St James' Park matchgoers, with the Newcastle United Supporters Trust urging the club to 'buck the trend and make a statement' by freezing season ticket prices.

READ MORE: Newcastle United's January transfer risk as PSR-boosting deal confirmed

READ MORE: Miguel Almiron Newcastle United goodbye meant there wasn't a dry eye in the house

The Manchester United Supporters' Trust published an open letter themselves earlier this week calling for Ratcliffe to reconsider the new ticketing policy. It's a subject that got Shearer and Gary Lineker talking on their Rest is Football podcast as they discussed the money available to Ruben Amorim this transfer window.

"They've made a real mess of it so far," Lineker said, referring to the United hierarchy. "I mean, they're talking about putting ticket prices up again because of financial difficulties. You just think, 'You're going to put this on the fans?' They've been suffering enough with the football that's been played."

Building on Lineker's point, Shearer added: "How dare they! You go and pay for our errors. Unbelievable."

Lineker's views continued, with the Match of the Day host questioning how the board could justify charging fans more for tickets. "The stadium's run down a little bit. I've got a number of friends who support Manchester United that go to games, and they say the matchday experience is nothing like it was even just a few years ago," Lineker added. "There are major concerns about that football club. Not only is it going to take time, but they've got to start getting things right."

Getting things right at St James' Park is a balancing act, admitted CEO Darren Eales when he responded to NUST's letter this week.

While the NUST made a point of thanking Newcastle for pricing domestic cup tickets 'competitively' this year, which has made them more accessible for a wide range of fans, the trust said it was 'essential' for the club to recognise the financial strain many fans are facing in today's climate.

Eales responded, saying: "It is incumbent on the club to strike the right balance that keeps Newcastle United growing and competing on and off the pitch while ensuring tickets are as affordable and accessible as possible, and that is a challenge we will always approach with great care and consideration. To support us in striking that balance, we continue to benchmark our ticket prices at Premier League level and across other sports and entertainment events, while being cognisant of rising costs elsewhere.

"We have not yet made a final decision on ticket pricing for the 2025/26 season, but I want to assure you we will be applying the same high degree of care and consideration as we try to maintain a balance that helps us to build towards our future successes together."