More stories

  • in

    Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘fears Man Utd could go BUST without Ineos’ chief’s unpopular spree of cost-cutting measures’

    MANCHESTER UNITED co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly fears the club could go BUST – unless he radically cuts costs.SunSport revealed on Tuesday the United chief is set to axe up between 100-200 more staff at Old Trafford. Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly fears Man Utd could go bust unless he cuts costsCredit: AlamyMore than 100 jobs are set to go at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersRatcliffe paid £1billion to acquire 27.7 per cent of the Premier League club last year.The 72-year-old has since taken a sledgehammer to United’s finances.He made 250 of the 1,150 workforce redundant last July and has incensed fans by cutting pay to club ambassadors, including ex-boss Sir Alex Ferguson.According to the Guardian, Ratcliffe has indicated he “has little choice” but to cut costs considerably across the club.READ MORE ON MAN UTD NEWSUnited lost £300m over the past three years – but the United co-owner is confident he can turn things around in two seasons. Insiders told the outlet United would have “run out of cash” had Ratcliffe not injected £240m last year.And Ratcliffe is prepared to keep going with his cost-cutting – despite knowing it is hugely unpopular with fans.Almost EVERY United player could be up for sale this summer at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt’s been a dismal season on the field, with the Red Devils currently languishing in the bottom half of the top flight. Manager Ruben Amorim admitted relegation was a “possibility” and called his side the “worst United team in history”.Inside Marcus Rashford’s demise from one of football’s biggest stars to £60m benchwarmerTo get around PSR rules, homegrown stars such as Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo look set to be sold before investment can begin on the team. United were quiet in the January window, bringing in Patrick Dorgu for £25m from Lecce and youngster Ayden Heaven from Arsenal. Ratcliffe has ambitious plans for Old Trafford and the surrounding area. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charityHe wants to build a “Wembley of the North” on the current site – at a cost of nearly £2bn. The club are still deliberating whether to invest in Old Trafford or move to a new 100,000-seater stadium.A decision is expected on the Government-backed plans before the summer. More

  • in

    Man Utd eye transfer for £55m-rated Bournemouth star but face competition from Real Madrid

    MANCHESTER UNITED are eyeing a summer swoop for Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen.The Spain youth international, 19, has a release clause for around £55million in his contract that kicks in come July.Dean Huijsen is a summer transfer target for Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyThe Dutch-born teenager is also a target for Real MadridCredit: GettyAnd the Dutch-born teenager’s outstanding performances for the high-flying Cherries have caught the eye of Man United boss Ruben Amorim as the Portuguese coach plots his summer transfer moves.But they are not alone, with Real Madrid, the Premier League’s top sides and Germany’s big clubs also interested in Huijsen as he matures under boss Andoni Iraola at Vitality Stadium.Amorim may be without centre half Lisandro Martinez until the autumn as the Argentine has a cruciate ligament injury.Victor Lindelof is out of contract at the end of the season.READ MORE ON MAN UTDDefenders Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro have been criticised by Old Trafford legend Paul Scholes over their lack of quality.Huijsen cost Bournemouth just £12.6m last summer from Juventus.But he has impressed with his swift adaptation to English football and is now an integral part of a team which has achieved remarkable success this season.Bournemouth are seventh in the Premier League with a chance to qualify for European football for the first time and Huijsen is at the heart of that.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe top flight’s smallest club has also secured stunning results, beating champions Manchester City, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle and Amorim’s United just before Christmas.Bournemouth are aware of the mushrooming levels of interest in their player and in an ideal world would keep him. ‘He’s got a pair of b——s,’ says Rio Ferdinand as he hits back at Roy Keane’s criticism of Man Utd star GarnachoBut they are also realistic enough to know it would be difficult to turn down a mega offer this summer.Amsterdam-born Huijsen, 19, started his career in Spain and is a citizen of that country after his family moved there when he was five.He also played for Juventus but made only one appearance for them before being loaned to Serie A rivals Roma.He was then sold to Bournemouth last summer. More

  • in

    ‘I think so’ – Real Betis CEO hints Antony’s loan transfer could be made permanent to end flop’s Man Utd nightmare

    REAL BETIS are interested in keeping Manchester United flop Antony for an extra year.The Brazil winger — on loan at the LaLiga club for the rest of the season with no option to buy — has started well in Spain.Real Betis are interested in keeping Manchester United flop AntonyCredit: AFPAntony moved to Betis on loan from Man Utd after a series of poor performancesCredit: PAAntony, 24, struggled for game time at United and Betis chief exec Ramon Alcaron – when asked if he could stay permanently said: “Yes, I think so.“The other day the CEO of United called me.“We sent them details of the player throughout the week so they can see we’re looking after their asset.“We have very good chemistry with United and the player, who is happy here.Read More on Man Utd“It is a possibility that he will continue next season, why not?”Antony joined United in 2022 following a whopping £86million deal with Ajax.However, the winger never managed to live up to the bill as he only amassed a mere total of 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances with Man Utd.However, the Brazil international has hit the ground running at Betis ever since his loan move last month.Most read in FootballThe forward provided an assist on his debut against Athletic Bilbao during a 2-2 draw at the Benito Villamarin.The ex-Ajax star then scored on his second match at Celta Vigo during a 3-2 loss.Paul Scholes tells Ruben Amorim Man Utd are staring relegation in the face unless they make seven new signings Antony is looking to regain his former goalscoring prowess that led to his blockbuster move to Old Trafford.The Brazilian burst onto the scene at Ajax where he registered a total of 24 goals and 22 assists in 82 appearances during a two-year stint in Amsterdam. More

  • in

    Wayne Rooney tipped for return to management with British giants after Man Utd legend ‘puts himself out there’

    WAYNE ROONEY has been tipped for a return to management. The Manchester United legend was sacked by Plymouth in December after just seven months in charge. Wayne Rooney has been tipped for a return to managementCredit: GettyRooney – who retired in 2021 – has also had coaching stints with Derby, DC United and Birmingham previously. And despite losing his fourth coaching job in two years, the ex-England captain has not ruled out a return to management. It comes as former Scotland midfielder Derek Ferguson backed Rooney as an outsider to replace under-fire Rangers boss Philippe Clement. And the Scottish Premiership winner even claimed Rooney could sensationally team up with Steven Gerrard in the Rangers dugout. READ MORE IN football Ferguson, 57, told Ibrox News: “I quite like the fact that Rooney has put himself out there in terms of managerial jobs, albeit it’s not worked for him. “Imagine Gerrard coming back to the club as manager and Rooney as his assistant. Something crazy like that, you know?“The likes of Gerrard and Rooney, they’re football men. The one thing they have instantly is respect with the players.“Players will listen to guys like that, who have been there and done it. So who knows? Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It would be surreal, but nothing surprises you in football. I quite like the sound of that.”Gerrard’s first job as manager was with Rangers – from 2018-2021 – winning the league title in his final season. ‘It must be embarrassing,’ says Wayne Rooney as he opens up on seeing Marcus Rashford on visit to CarringtonHe then went to Aston Villa and most recently Al-Ettifaq in 2023 – since leaving the Saudi side in January. Rangers manager Clement is under pressure as the club sit second in the table – 13 points behind leaders Celtic.Rooney meanwhile told the Stick to Football podcast that he would open the door to a managerial return – with the right club. And he even admitted he would accept a role as assistant manager. He said: “I’d have no problem dropping into an Under-21 team or going in as a coach. “I’m still young enough to learn and develop. Just having a good group of players who were at a [good] level.”Rangers manager is under pressureCredit: GettyDerek Ferguson suggested Rooney as a contender for the Rangers job More

  • in

    Man Utd could offload £375k a week flop Casemiro in shock transfer THIS MONTH but new club admit it’s ‘risky business’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly set to offload Casemiro in a shock transfer to Flamengo, who admit it’s “risky business.”Casemiro, 32, has fallen out of favour at United under Ruben Amorim and has featured for just 20 minutes in the last five matches.Man Utd flop Casemiro is set for a ‘risky’ move to FlamengoCredit: GettyHe currently pockets a whopping £375,000-a-week to boot, one of the biggest salaries going.And United were eager to offload Casemiro before the winter transfer window slammed shut last week.However, it remains open in some countries outside Europe.One of those is Casemiro’s native Brazil.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd reports in his homeland claim that Flamengo are set to complete a sensational loan swoop shortly.Casemiro, who began his football career at rivals Sao Paulo, is likely to jump at the chance of an exit.Antony, Marcus Rashford and Tyrell Malacia all completed loan moves away from United in the winter window.And Flamengo are even said to be ready to pay part of his mammoth annual salary.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHowever, they reportedly understand there is a huge risk in paying out so much money due to Casemiro’s advanced years and recent decline in performances.Journalist Jorge Nicola said: “I can assure you that Flamengo investigated the player’s situation in the last few days.Man Utd fans baffled by Fred’s reaction to team-mate having object thrown at him in fiery Fenerbahce clash “The English club agreed to loan him and help with part of his salary. Filipe Luis would love to count on Casemiro.“Flamengo understands that, given all the figures, it is a very risky business.“Even though United are willing to help with most of the salary, there would still be a very high amount to be paid.” More

  • in

    Man Utd fans baffled by Fred’s reaction to team-mate having object thrown at him in fiery Fenerbahce clash

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans were left gobsmacked by Fred’s reaction to his Fenerbahce team-mate having an object thrown at him.Anderson Talisca was pelted by a bottle in the first half of Fenerbahce’s trip to Alanyaspor after doubling the Super Lig side’s lead.Fenerbahce star Anderson Talisca wa shit by a water bottle during their trip to AlanyasporCredit: GettyEx-Manchester United midfielder Fred appeared to goad the louts who threw objects seconds after the incidentCredit: GETTYThe bottle leaked upon hitting the back of the Brazilian’s neck.Talisca, who joined the club during the January transfer window, immediately went down after being struck by the missile.And Fred, bizarrely, goaded the riled-up Alanyaspor fans by waving his arms up and down before beating his chest.Footage of his weird reaction to his countryman being struck down spread like wildfire on social media and quickly came to the attention of Red Devils fans.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSOne wrote on X: “Look at how Fred reacts.”Another said: “Just a chill guy. Cheering the fans.”And another said: “Would never see pastor fred go down like that.”One remarked: “Why is he laughing?”Most read in SportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnother chimed in: “That’s a violation.”Fred left Manchester United for Fenerbahce in the summer of 2023 after a five-year stay at Old Trafford.Man Utd player ratings vs LeicesterHe made 213 appearances for the club, scoring 14 goals and racking up 18 assists.The midfielder currently has seven goals and 12 assists in 64 Fenerbahce appearances to his name.He’s has yet to win any silverware with the Turkish giants, who are managed by his former United gaffer Jose Mourinho. More

  • in

    Man Utd STILL outsiders to retain FA Cup despite four of ‘top six’ being knocked out, latest odds reveal

    MANCHESTER UNITED are still outsiders to win the FA Cup – despite four of the traditional Big Six being out of the competition.The Red Devils’ kickstarted their defence of the trophy last month with a shootout victory over Arsenal at the Emirates.Manchester United are the current FA Cup holdersCredit: GETTYBut the bookies haven’t placed the Red Devils as the favourites to win the tournamentCredit: REXRuben Amorim’s troops booked passage to the fifth round last Friday with a controversial 2-1 win over Leicester City.United’s chances of winning the trophy increased on Sunday when Prem leaders Liverpool suffered a shock defeat to Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle.But they’re NOT the favourites to win the trophy.Multiple bookmakers have struggling Premier League champions Manchester City as the favourites to win the competition.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSNewcastle United are the second favourites ahead of United, who have blown hot and cold this season.High-flying Aston Villa are the bookies’ fourth favourites to win the competition.Unsurprisingly, League Two outfit Doncaster Rovers have been given the longest odds to win the tournament.Those odds, however, will likely shorten should they dump out Crystal Palace in their fourth-round clash this evening.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd Rovers boss Grant McCann insists his troops won’t sacrifice their style to secure a giant-killing victory.He said: “We’ll approach the game as we always do, it’s not for us sitting behind the ball and letting Crystal Palace have 80 per cent possession.Fans spot Sir Alex Ferguson YAWNING as he watches woeful Man Utd – but get distracted by who he’s sitting next to”It’s not the way I play, not the way this team wants to play, so we’ll be aggressive as we always are.”We’ve played three games away from home to get here, all tough games in different ways, and we’ve come through them unscathed.”So we’ve deserved this opportunity to test ourselves against a very good Premier League team.”We want to put a good performance on for the fans to go, ‘They’re not a bad side, Doncaster, I want to go back and watch them again.'”We know the better we perform, the higher we are in the league, the more fans come to our game.”The fifth-round draw will take place prior Palace’s visit to the Eco-Power Stadium. More

  • in

    Man Utd ‘considered £58m transfer for Barcelona star in January’ but wonderkid snubbed move

    MANCHESTER UNITED considered a move for Barcelona wonderkid Fermin Lopez in January – but he reportedly rejected the switch.The Red Devils were allegedly willing to offer £58m for the 21-year-old midfielder, with Aston Villa also interested.Man Utd considered a move for Barcelona wonderkid Fermin Lopez in JanuaryCredit: RexFermin Lopez opted to stay at BarcelonaCredit: RexUnited wanted Lopez to bolster their midfield options amid another dismal Premier League campaign, according to The Mail.While Villa – who brought in five new players, including Marcus Rashford on loan- were also keen to add Lopez to their ranks.But the Spaniard made it immediately clear that he wouldn’t entertain a move and was desperate to continue at Barca.United are known to be long-time admirers of Lopez’s talents amid their recent changes in midfield.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSChristian Eriksen is expected to leave Old Trafford as a free agent in the summer and Casemiro is no longer considered a regular starter.Roma expressed interest in Casemiro in January and United could loan the legendary midfielder out in June.That could mean that Ruben Amorim’s side could go for Lopez again in the next window in a few months time. In October 2024, Lopez signed a new contract at the club until 2029, and it is understood that he has a £416.5m release clause.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLopez wants to fight for his future at Barca after seeing his playing time reduced under new gaffer Hansi Flick.He has scored two goals and provided two assists in 14 LaLiga games this season, having been named in the starting XI on five occasions.Roy Keane breaks silence on Marcus Rashford’s shock transfer to Aston Villa and has MAJOR concernLopez – who came through the ranks at Real Betis before moving to La Masia – returned from the Olympics with an injury, which left him out for the first few weeks of the season. The youngster has to battle fierce competition in Barca’s midfield which includes Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Marc Casado, Gavi and Pablo Torre.Meanwhile, United loaned out Rashford and Antony to reduce their wage bill.But Old Trafford chiefs spent £29.9m on wing-back Patrick Dorgu, while Ayden Heaven joined from Arsenal’s under-21s.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More