Manchester United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s response to cost-cutting criticism speaks volumes amid backlash from fans.
Back in February, it was confirmed that British billionaire and INEOS boss Ratcliffe had completed a deal to buy a reported 27.7 per cent stake at United, after fending off competition from a Qatari consortium led by Sheikh Jassim.
At the time, fans were hoping that Ratcliffe would begin to turn United’s fortunes around on and off the pitch.
However, nearly a year since his investment, United have largely remained where they were before, with problems mounting both on and off the pitch.
The Red Devils are currently 14th in the Premier League and Ratcliffe’s off-the-pitch decisions have left fans bemused and unimpressed.
Ratcliffe has made a few controversial cost-cutting decisions since arriving. As reported by the Daily Mail, more than 200 jobs have been cut and staff Christmas bonuses have been scaled back.
Over the weekend, it was reported that United are set to announce that they will cut funding provided to the club’s charitable arm, the Manchester United Foundation.
Sky claimed that United provided close to £1 million to the Foundation in benefits last year, including nearly £175,000 for charity services. However, it is reported that they are planning to scale this back.
What has Sir Jim Ratcliffe said about cost-cutting measures at Manchester United?
Despite receiving criticism over his decisions, Ratcliffe recently admitted that United have become ‘mediocre’ and that difficult calls would have to be made regardless of the backlash.
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