Manchester United fans may have thought it was fashionable to see an English billionaire take control of the Red Devils rather than a wealthy Qatari. Today, one of the jewels of the Premier League has certainly remained in the hands of an Englishman, but it is not certain that Mancunian supporters are happy about it. After having paid 1.5 billion euros to buy back 25% of MU’s shares, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is the talk of the town.
Ticket prices will increase again, other jobs will be cut
A year after his arrival at Old Trafford, the new boss of the Red Devils attracted the wrath of the English press for several reasons. First of all for his choices of man. Three months after extending Erik ten Hag, Ratcliffe fired him to install Ruben Amorim. Then, it was sporting director Dan Ashworth who toasted by being fired five months after his induction. And that’s not all. The British press also revealed several decisions taken to limit spending.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassadorial contract (paid €2.58 million/year) will not be renewed, the families of players and employees have lost several benefits and the traditional Christmas party has been canceled. Finally, ticket prices have been increased for children and retirees. In short, not really popular measures, especially coming from a billionaire. This Tuesday, The Athletic looked back on Ratcliffe’s chaotic first year at MU. And the new revelations from the English media are nothing to cheer about.
MU cuts back on everything
Indeed, several people from the club testified anonymously and The Athletic assures that further job cuts are to be feared. Ticket prices are expected to rise significantly again, the club is expected to terminate further ambassador contracts and any spending over €30,000 must be approved by INEOS’ finance director, who recently joined MU. But that’s not all. While the elimination of the Christmas party caused controversy, MU is rubbing its hands at the idea of having saved around €300,000.
Still in the area of savings made to the detriment of employees, gift baskets have undergone a drastic regime. Today, there are small baskets with chocolates from one of the club’s sponsors. But The Athletic recalls that the previous prizes were much more significant: a voucher for 500 pounds (approximately €600) at Selfridges, four match tickets with hospitality worth approximately 1,000 pounds (approximately €1,200) per place, a set of Paul Smith luggage worth 1,000 pounds, or even restaurant vouchers. Sir Jim Ratcliffe may be a billionaire, but a penny is still a penny…
