Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has cautioned that more “difficult and unpopular decisions” lie ahead for the club in response to the backlash that has met some of the cost-cutting measures that have been implemented.
Ratcliffe acquired a 27.7% stake in the iconic club for £1.25 billion late last year. His company INEOS now holds sporting control over the struggling Premier League giants.
In an interview with the United We Stand fanzine before Saturday’s 3-2 loss to Nottingham Forest, which left United 13th in the league standings, the British billionaire stated;
“Manchester United has become mediocre. It is supposed to be one of the best football clubs in the world.
“We have to make some difficult and unpopular decisions. If you shy away from the difficult decisions, then nothing much is going to change.”
United reported significant losses for the 2023/2024 season, raising concerns about potential breaches of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
However, the club’s financial officials insisted they were “on track” financially, citing positive results from the first quarter of the 2024/2025 season.
‘I know we get criticism in the press but we do need to challenge the cost of running this club because what I want to be free for us to do is buy really good footballers, not spend so much of the money on infrastructure,” Ratcliffe continued.
“We can’t run a business at a loss, which is where United have been in the last couple of years. If you are losing money you have to borrow from the bank to pay for the losses. Eventually that becomes unsustainable.”
Ratcliffe also defended the decision to raise ticket prices, explaining; “I was brought up on a council estate in Manchester. I don’t want to end up in a position where the genuine local fans can’t afford to come, but I do want to optimize the ticketing.
“We need to find a balance – and you can’t be popular all the time either. Here, we are talking about 3% of the tickets. I don’t think it makes sense for a Manchester United ticket to cost less than a ticket to see Fulham.”
Olaoluwa is a dedicated sports writer and passionate football enthusiast with two years of experience. Known for his keen analysis and commitment to the game, his work reflects a deep love for football, blending strategic insight with the emotional moments that make it a global passion. He is focused on honing his skills and consistently aims to inspire and engage readers through every article he writes.
