Sir Jim Ratcliffe's controversial cost-cutting laid bare in financial results as Manchester United undergo 'transformation'

"Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made a number of controversial decisions since becoming co-owner of Manchester United. In less than two years, the INEOS founder has made roughly 450 redundancies, ended the ambassadorial role held by legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson and cut free lunches for United staff. Ratcliffe has attracted plenty of criticism as a result - not helped by the team's performances on the pitch, with Ruben Amorim's side slumping to 15th last term, the club's worst league finish since 1973/74"

"Among the headline figures, United reported an operating profit of 13million compared to an operating loss of 7m for the same period last year. Total revenue fell slightly, from 143.1m to 140.3m, although the club are predicting total revenues for the year of between 640m and 660m - putting them close to the record revenue of 666.5m they reported in 2024-25."

"Chief executive officer Omar Berrada said: 'These robust financial results reflect the resilience of Manchester United as we make strong progress in our transformation of the club. 'The difficult decisions we have made in the past year have resulted in a sustainably lower cost base and a more streamlined, effective organisation equipped to drive the club towards improved sporting and commercial performance over the long-term."

Sir Jim Ratcliffe implemented roughly 450 redundancies, ended the ambassadorial role held by Sir Alex Ferguson, and cut free lunches for staff within less than two years of co-ownership. The team faced criticism and a poor on-field season, with Ruben Amorim's side finishing 15th, the club's worst league position since 1973/74. The club reported an operating profit of 13 million for the first three months of the new financial year, compared with an operating loss of 7 million the previous year. Total revenue dipped slightly from 143.1 million to 140.3 million, while projected annual revenues of 640–660 million approach the 666.5 million record. CEO Omar Berrada said difficult decisions have produced a sustainably lower cost base and a more streamlined organisation aimed at long-term sporting and commercial improvement.

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