A major Manchester United fans' group has written to Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe demanding Government intervention to halt the spiralling cost of Premier League tickets.

Sutcliffe, a United fan, hit the headlines last month, and irked Sir Alex Ferguson in the process when he condemned the cost of admission to Old Trafford and claimed many lifelong fans were being priced out of supporting their clubs.

Ferguson responded by telling Sutcliffe to go and watch FC United, the Unibond League outfit set up by disgruntled Red Devils fans in protest both at Malcolm Glazer's controversial takeover and the prices being charged for admission to Old Trafford.

It was also pointed out to Sutcliffe by the United boss that London duo Chelsea and Arsenal are among the clubs who charge substantially more than his own.

However, the Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST), the group formerly known as Shareholders United, have taken up the baton and, in an open letter, pleaded with Sutcliffe to intervene.

"We believe the time has come for the Government to intervene over ticket prices," said MUST chief executive Duncan Drasdo.

"Club owners have been given ample time to put their own house in order and bring prices under control and yet price increases have actually accelerated to unprecedented levels.

"This has created hardship for many long-term supporters (as well as potential new fans) who have given loyalty to their club for so many years only to be rewarded with an ultimatum to pay up or be replaced by someone else who can.

"We understand that the Government sees intervention as the last resort but we believe that the case for such intervention is now overwhelming."

Drasdo pointed to clubs' dominant market position' as a major factor behind the increasing costs, with owners exploiting the fact fans do not switch brands.

In particular, MUST feel United's controversial automatic cup scheme' which forces season ticket holders to sign an agreement which means they pay for tickets to all cup games whether they want to attend or not, is grossly unfair.