Paul Scholes, a Manchester United legend, has criticized Sir Jim Ratcliffe, claiming that his promises of a new £2billion stadium are unrealistic and that the club appears desperate.
Ratcliffe and INEOS’s Role at Manchester United
Ratcliffe and his company INEOS bought a 27.7% stake in Manchester United in February of the previous year, taking control of the club’s football operations. Since then, several major decisions have sparked controversy, including the continued tenure of manager Erik ten Hag, who was later sacked early in the new season.
Man Utd’s Struggles Under New Ownership
Under Ratcliffe’s leadership, Manchester United has faced a rocky start to the season, sitting 13th in the Premier League. To address financial concerns, Ratcliffe has implemented several cost-cutting measures, which have led to a bleaker atmosphere around the club.
The £2billion Stadium and Cost Concerns
Despite recent optimism from the club regarding the construction of a £2billion stadium, doubts remain about how such a massive project will be funded. Questions have arisen about the club’s ability to manage this cost while Ratcliffe cuts expenses, such as staff lunches, and the club may need to sell players to fund future purchases.
Scholes’ Warning to Fans
Scholes, speaking on The Overlap, cautioned fans not to fall for empty promises, warning that “words are cheap.” He emphasized that, although Ratcliffe has claimed the stadium would be the best in the world, such lofty ambitions may not be feasible given the current state of the club’s finances. Scholes even suggested that the club’s calls for £2billion and player sales signal a sense of desperation.
Price Hikes for Season Tickets
In light of Manchester United’s financial challenges, the club announced a 5% increase in prices for adult season tickets for the upcoming season. This move follows 11 years of price freezes and comes as the club tries to address rising operational costs. Despite the criticism, the club remains adamant that the increases are necessary to offset these expenses.
