Manchester United receives major hint regarding club takeover following recent INEOS update.
Manchester United is pushing forward with plans for a major overhaul at Old Trafford.
INEOS chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe has faced criticism for implementing cost-cutting measures following his minority stake acquisition in December 2023. These reductions continue, with reports emerging that the 13-time Premier League champions are set to lay off another 150-200 employees before the season ends.
The club has already reduced its workforce, restricted company credit card use, tightened remote work policies, and is now considering shutting down the staff canteen, which could save an additional £1 million annually. This appears to signal INEOS’s efforts to address financial mismanagement under the Glazers, who remain the only Premier League owners to have taken dividends from their club, totaling an estimated £160 million since their takeover in 2005.
These persistent cost-cutting measures strongly suggest that Ratcliffe and INEOS intend to secure full control of the club in the future. Many speculate that an informal agreement has already been made to facilitate a complete takeover down the line—otherwise, why would such drastic financial restructuring continue?
During a recent meeting, CEO Omar Berrada informed employees of the latest cuts, but according to sources, many in attendance reacted with skepticism, particularly as they were urged not to disclose the information. There was also a growing sense of frustration that job losses among lower-level staff were being used to compensate for failures at the top.
On the pitch, United’s struggles have been evident. Their best hope for silverware now lies in the Europa League after a disappointing domestic campaign. The handling of Erik ten Hag and Dan Ashworth’s departures also cost the club £14.5 million, with Ten Hag being sacked just months after his contract extension and Ashworth leaving soon after joining from Newcastle.
Recruitment remains a major issue, with high-profile signings such as Antony, Jadon Sancho, Casemiro, and Joshua Zirkzee failing to deliver. Zirkzee, in particular, has struggled since his summer arrival, adding to the club’s growing list of disappointing transfers.
Amid financial pressures, employees were reportedly told that cost-cutting is necessary to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations and the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Meanwhile, the Glazer family remains in Florida, seemingly unaffected by the club’s struggles, despite years of mismanagement. For many fans, it feels like things will continue to decline before they improve for Manchester United.
