INEOS’ Cost-Cutting Measures at Old Trafford Under Scrutiny
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has openly admitted that he and his players must take responsibility for the financial struggles and subsequent job losses at Old Trafford. With INEOS implementing widespread cost-cutting measures to ensure the club complies with PSR (Profitability and Sustainability Rules) and FFP (Financial Fair Play) regulations, the pressure is mounting on both the club’s leadership and its on-field performers.
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS acquired a minority stake in Manchester United, they have taken over the day-to-day running of the club, overseeing significant financial restructuring. However, these changes have not been well received by fans and staff alike, as multiple redundancies and budgetary cuts have raised concerns about the club’s direction.
Manchester United’s Financial Challenges and INEOS’ Response
A 10% decline in commercial, broadcast, and matchday revenue was reported for the three months leading up to September 30, 2024. In response, INEOS initiated a series of cost-cutting measures, leading to job losses in non-essential departments and reductions in various operational expenses.
While INEOS maintains that these changes are crucial for modernizing the business structure of the club and ensuring long-term financial stability, critics argue that the approach has been overly aggressive. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has come under fire for what some have labeled “brutal” cost-cutting tactics, which have fueled uncertainty among club employees and supporters.
Ruben Amorim Accepts Responsibility for Manchester United’s Struggles
Amorim, who took charge during a turbulent period for Manchester United, has struggled to overturn the decline that began under Erik ten Hag. Ahead of United’s crucial Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur, the Portuguese manager acknowledged that the team’s poor performances have directly impacted the club’s financial situation.
Amorim’s Statement on Job Losses and the Team’s Performance
“I think it’s really important for us in the first team—coaches and players—to not ignore what is happening at the club. People are losing their jobs, and we have to acknowledge that the biggest problem is the football team. We spend the money, but we are not winning. We are not in the Champions League, so the revenues are not the same. We spent a lot of money in the past, and now we have to be careful with the finances. That means we cannot rebuild the team the way we would like.”
The Manchester United manager emphasized that the uncertainty surrounding job security has created a tense atmosphere within the club.
“People are losing their jobs and, of course, they have that feeling of not being safe in their role. It’s a difficult position to be in, and it affects the overall environment. We cannot ignore it—we acknowledge this problem. The responsibility is on the first team, and we have to change that.”
Manchester United’s Woeful Home Form Under Amorim
United’s poor results have coincided with a worrying decline in home form at Old Trafford. Amorim’s reign started on a high note with a 4-0 victory over Everton, but since then, his team has struggled, managing just one other home win—a narrow victory against bottom-placed Southampton.
Even that Southampton victory required a late hat-trick from Amad Diallo to overturn a deficit, highlighting the team’s lack of consistency and confidence. In contrast, United have suffered five home defeats, adding to the frustration of fans who expected a turnaround under Amorim.
Amorim on the Challenges of Managing Manchester United
In an interview with Sky Sports, Amorim spoke about the relentless challenges of managing a club of Manchester United’s stature:
“It’s ups and downs. It’s a fight every day—with everything. There’s a lot of media scrutiny, and then you have to deal with an intense fixture schedule.”
“When you are in this club—especially this club—if you cannot put together a run of wins, you are always fighting. That can be exhausting, not just for me but for everyone at the club, including the players.”
“We need to keep fighting and focus just on the small things. For me, the most important thing is always the next game.”
What’s Next for Manchester United?
With Manchester United currently sitting 14th in the Premier League table, the pressure is mounting on Ruben Amorim to deliver results and restore stability. While INEOS’ financial restructuring is aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability, fans and critics alike are questioning whether the club’s struggles will lead to further turmoil both on and off the pitch.
As Amorim and his squad prepare for their next game against Tottenham Hotspur, the stakes have never been higher. A win could provide much-needed momentum and relief, while another defeat may only add to the crisis surrounding Manchester United.
