 "Jim Ratcliffe, who is in control of football operations at Manchester United, has taken several cost-cutting measures at the club. Reuters")
Manchester United’s off the field concerns seem to be never-ending amid a difficult run of form on the field under new manager Ruben Amorim . Ever since British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe took control of football operations at Manchester United in February, drastic cost-cutting measures have been taken up.
The latest such measure taken by the Red Devils is that of reportedly curbing the funding provided to the Manchester United Foundation. According to a report in Sky News, United are considering slashing the financial benefits from 2025, which has gone up to almost £1 million in the last one year. While the charitable wing will receive other benefits, additional funds for events and fundraising schemes will be curtailed.
Multiple instances of cost-cutting measures by Jim Ratcliffe
Manchester United have come under criticism for taking numerous cost-cutting measures ever since Jim Ratcliffe took over earlier this year. One of those measures were when United decided to end Sir Alex Ferguson’s role as club ambassador , a move that was termed “totally scandalous” by the club’s legends. Since becoming minority stakeholders this year, Ineos, the company founded by Ratcliffe, have also made 250 jobs redundant at the club. United were also criticised for increasing the price of matchday tickets at Old Trafford to £66 per game, without any concessions.
In another controversial move, United have also announced a cut of £40,000 annual funding to the Association of Former Manchester United Players (AFMUP). The charity had been receiving a significant amount of money since 1985, but has not received the two quarterly payments of £10,000.
United even went to the extent of asking rivals Manchester City for a lift to attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony, only to be turned down . United had asked if Alejandro Garnacho and Kobie Mainoo could fly in City’s private jet.
Manchester United are languishing in 14th place in the Premier League with 22 points from 18 matches and are in seventh place in the UEFA Europa League with 12 points from six games. The Red Devils will next host Newcastle United in the Premier League on Monday night.