MANCHESTER UNITED will reportedly consider HALVING the budget allocated to their disabled supporters’ association.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is in charge of football operations at Old Trafford, set about trying to slash costs immediately after arriving earlier this year.
He made 250 people redundant ahead of the 2024-25 campaign and axed several members of staff from United’s pre-season tour.
Senior staff had their access to private cars withdrawn, while some workers had their meal plans drastically changed.
In one of Ratcliffe’s most recent cost-cutting methods, legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson was let go from his ambassadorial role.
But the British billionaire could now agree to a hugely controversial move in a bid to lower spending even more.
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The Daily Mail claims United could HALVE the budget they allocate to the Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association.
As things stand, MUDSA is given £40,000-a-year by the club.
It feels like the club has lost touch with its soul.
Man Utd insider
Funds go towards a variety of areas including a yearly Christmas party which is attended by the first team squad.
MUDSA also works with the Manchester United Foundation to deliver sporting events for people with mixed abilities.
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Should the Red Devils agree to go ahead with the cuts, it would likely generate a hostile response.
An insider told the Mail: “This is nothing short of a disgrace. The figures they are talking about are a drop in the ocean and the optics would be horrific. It feels like the club has lost touch with its soul.
“The disabled supporters’ club has always been a big part of Manchester United and when you see how much money is being wasted on paying off managers and bringing in players who aren’t good enough, something like this will be very difficult to justify.”
Man Utd have declined to comment.
What we know about the ‘new’ Old Trafford
MANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.
The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.
The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.
A capacity of 100,000 is expected.
It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.
The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.
United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.
There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.
However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.
The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.
The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.
Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.
The target is for completion by 2030.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
