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Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been warned he is facing the threat of “outright rebellion” after the Manchester United co-owner was confronted by angry supporters shortly after a significant section of the club’s fans directed abusive chants at him during the 1-0 victory over Fulham.

Ratcliffe, who took over the day-to-day running of United from the Glazers after acquiring a 28.94 per cent stake in the club, has come under increasing fire in recent months following a range of cost-cutting measures and controversial ticket price hikes. Ratcliffe provoked fury when United announced the mid-season introduction of a flat rate £66 ticket for members, with no concessions for children or pensioners and no prior consultation.

Fans staged protests at the 4-0 win over Everton at Old Trafford last month and the 2-2 draw with Liverpool three weeks ago and tensions have been growing for weeks at matches amid the threat of more price increases next season.

That anger and resentment spiked at Craven Cottage on Sunday night when the away fans could be heard singing: “Just like the Glazers, Jim Ratcliffe’s a c---.”

Later, a video posted on X showed Ratcliffe, sitting in the back seat of a car, being castigated by fans furious at the ticket price rises.

“Enjoy your photograph, guys,” the Oldham-born Ineos chairman could be heard saying as the window of the car was rolled down amid angry shouts from supporters.

“We’re Northerners, come on mate – sort it out,” one could be heard saying. “Sixty-six quid you b------. F--- you Jim Ratcliffe. F--- you”.

“Worse than the Glazers, mate,” came another response from another fan.

Ratcliffe had ignited outrage among United supporters last month when he claimed in an interview with the United We Stand fanzine that the club’s fans should not be paying less than a ticket for games than their Fulham counterparts.

The co-owner hinted at the prospect of more ticket price rises to come and those fears were compounded last week when, in correspondence with the 1958 fans’ group, the club left the door open to increases, given the need to raise revenues and cut losses amid the threat of profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) breaches in the future.

“We do not expect fans to make up all the current shortfall – but we do need to look at our ticketing strategy to ensure we are charging the right amount, and offering the right discounts, across our products for our fans,” the club had said.

United have posted losses before tax of £312.9 million over the past three seasons and have implemented a series of drastic cost-cutting measures since Ratcliffe assumed control, including shedding 250 jobs.

But Ratcliffe has now been warned he is risking “outright rebellion” among supporters and the threat of sponsors being targeted or boycotted unless the club freeze ticket prices and “end the war on season ticket holders as part of a major reset of fan-club relations”.

‘Negative sentiment comes with financial costs,’ warns supporters’ group

In a strongly worded open letter to Ratcliffe, the Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) wrote “now is the worst possible time” to raise ticket prices “with performances on the field amongst the worst in decades”. United are 12th in the Premier League with a goal difference of -4.

“A price increase or significant ticketing policy changes would land very badly with fans at this time,” MUST wrote. “Negative sentiment comes with financial costs, as discontent escalates into active protests and disillusionment.

“This discontent could lead to outright rebellion, with consequences not just for match-day 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.”

MUST also told Ratcliffe that the tensions “have the potential to poison the well for stadium plans” at a time when United are leaning towards the creation of a new 100,000 capacity ground as the centre-piece of a regeneration project that has just won government backing.

United have also been warned that the team could be badly impacted if the atmosphere at Old Trafford turns hostile.

‘Hostile atmosphere could spiral into catastrophic tailspin’

“Fan dissatisfaction affects the matchday atmosphere, creating performance anxiety for players, rather than the vocal support needed to inspire them,” MUST wrote. “A passive or even hostile atmosphere at Old Trafford compounding struggling team performances could spiral into a catastrophic tailspin.

“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.

“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.”

MUST is calling for United to freeze season ticket and member prices next season, rally the fans and club together, consult with supporters on long-term changes, explore alternative funding options and “resist the temptation to sell off the fruits of the youth for short-term fixes unless it aligns with a longer-term football strategy that honours Manchester United’s proud tradition of developing talent.”

United are understood to be reluctantly open to the sale of Alejandro Garnacho or Kobbie Mainoo if the right deal came along.