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The Red Devils' latest penny pinching move has angered fans and club legends alike
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has come under heavy criticism from fans for implementing a series of cost-cutting measures that many see as detrimental to the club’s culture and legacy.
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The latest move — cutting funding for a charity that supports former players — has sparked outrage, with some dubbing Ratcliffe “the stingiest billionaire ever.”
Manchester United cut funding to ex-players’ charity
The Association of Former Manchester United Players (AFMUP), which helps ex-players who struggled financially after their careers, now faces a bleak future as the club pulls its £40,000 annual funding.
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This decision comes on the heels of ticket price hikes, scrapped employee bonuses, and the termination of Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassadorial role.
The AFMUP has long been a lifeline for former players, including those who never earned the astronomical wages seen in modern football.
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The organisation hosts events and provides financial support, including covering funeral costs for struggling ex-players.
Trustee Jim Elms, a former United youth player, called the funding cut “ridiculous” and pleaded with the club to reconsider, noting that the trust contributes significantly to the club’s reputation.
Fans slam cost-cutting measures after latest move
Followng the announcement of the latest cost-cutting initiative, supporters have expressed outrage, pointing out the irony of these cuts given Ratcliffe’s reported £23 billion net worth.
Fans took to social media and protests to voice their displeasure, with one post on X reading “This guy is the stingiest billionaire I have ever seen!!” and another saying, “Still haven’t gotten over the fact that he cutoff Sir Alex, now this?”
Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson also felt the sting of Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting. Beyond losing his £2 million-a-year ambassador role, Ferguson has reportedly been barred from the first-team dressing room, breaking a tradition that dates back to Sir Matt Busby.
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Despite the measures off the field, Manchester United continue to face problems on the field as Ruben Amorim’s appointment has done little to stem the club’s downfall, with the Red Devils currently 14th in the Premier League and facing the very real prospect of relegation to the Championship.
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