Manchester United set to slash funding on charity
Since taking control of the Premier League club in February, Ratcliffe has implemented a series of measures aimed at reducing expenses
Manchester United are set to reduce the funding provided to their charitable foundation as part of a sweeping cost-cutting program led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Since taking control of the Premier League club in February, Ratcliffe has implemented a series of measures aimed at reducing expenses.
These have included making approximately 250 staff redundant, canceling the club’s Christmas party, and revoking staff credit card privileges.
This comes despite United spending over £200million during the summer transfer window.
Additionally, the club has incurred significant costs, including severance packages for former manager Erik ten Hag and sporting director Dan Ashworth, as well as a substantial payment to Sporting Lisbon to secure Ruben Amorim as their new manager.
In the latest move to reduce expenses, Sky News reports that United plan to slash funding for the Manchester United Foundation, their own charitable arm.
Last year, the club contributed close to £1 million to the Foundation, which focuses on community projects in Manchester and Salford, supporting underprivileged and marginalised individuals.
Starting in 2025, the club reportedly intends to inform the Foundation’s trustees that a “substantial element” of its financial support will be withdrawn.
The exact scale of the cuts is expected to be disclosed in the coming weeks.
United have declined to comment on the reports but have stated that all areas of expenditure are under review due to ongoing financial losses.
They insist, however, that they remain “proud” of the Foundation’s work and plan to provide “significant support” moving forward.
The Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) has condemned the decision in a strongly worded statement, calling it “another depressing example” of the club’s leadership prioritizing the wrong areas.
This follows revelations last week that United had also reduced funding to assist former players facing financial difficulties.
The club’s recent cost-cutting measures have sparked criticism, with fans questioning the balance between saving costs and maintaining core values tied to the club’s legacy.
A must spokesperson told Sky News: “The prospect of cuts to the charitable Foundation are another depressing example of the wrong priorities at United, cutting back on support to the community it purports to serve.
“Financial sustainability is important but instead of further investment to show ambition and go for growth, the Club is counter-productively trying to cut its way out of its problems.
“It’s hard not to conclude that the negative atmosphere they’re breeding is feeding its way through to the equally depressing performances on the field.”
Read more: Chelsea ready to sell five players in January
Cristiano Ronaldo makes Manchester City struggling claim
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi wants to join Premier League leaders Liverpool
