Ineos will argue that Manchester United’s financial struggles have made ruthless cost-cutting decisions essential.
During their first 12 months in charge, Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have taken a huge hit to their reputation with Manchester United fans unhappy with several decisions made by the new owners.
Supporters have publicly protested the £66 ticket prices implemented by Ineos, especially in the backdrop of terrible management decisions such as the £14m spent sacking Erik ten Hag and Dan Ashworth.
United fans chanted against Ineos in the latest FA Cup clash against Fulham, but ultimately Ratcliffe is trying to solve the Glazers’ mess caused over the past 20 years.
United have paid £1bn in interest towards debt built up by the Glazers, and it has effectively shattered the club’s accounts. The effects have certainly been felt on the pitch, and United’s lack of success now threatens to make the financial landscape even worse.
Ineos emergency Man United financial plan
Last week, a report claimed that Ineos are budgeting to at least qualify for Europa League football for the next four years.
However, that looks more and more unlikely for United as the season progresses. The Red Devils are 14th in the Premier League table and crashing out of the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon wiped away one of two potential routes back to Europe.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 13 |  TottenhamTottenham |
27 | 10 | 3 | 14 | 53 | 39 | 14 | 33 |
| 14 |  Man UtdManchester United |
27 | 9 | 6 | 12 | 33 | 39 | -6 | 33 |
| 15 |  West HamWest Ham |
27 | 9 | 6 | 12 | 32 | 47 | -15 | 33 |
The Telegraph are now reporting that Ineos have factored in the threat of not qualifying for Europe next season into their figures.
It is part of the club’s ongoing drive to cut costs and save money after suffering losses of £313 million over the past three seasons. However, failing to qualify for Europe would likely result in even more cost-cutting methods.
Previous claims that United were expecting to qualify for the Europa League instead of the Champions League for the next four seasons caused more concern for staff at Carrington and Old Trafford who are already fearing there could be more job cuts.
But right now, making the Europa League looks unlikely, unless this patched-up United side manage to go all the way and win this season’s competition.
While positive this disappointing sporting outcome is accounted for – it is a sad state of affairs. The last time United spent a season completely out of European competition was 1989/90.
Ruben Amorim can get Man United back on track
As if there wasn’t already enough pressure on Ruben Amorim this season, United’s season is now relying on winning the Europa League.
Bruno Fernandes is targeting Europa League success this season, and he will hope to carry his strong form into this Thursday’s first-leg clash against Real Sociedad.
READ MORE: Real Sociedad dealt ‘sensitive’ injury blow vs Man Utd, midfield star set to miss both games
United are the only unbeaten side in Europe this season, with Amorim leading his side to a third-placed finish in the Europa League table.
After struggling to make an impact on United’s Premier League form, Amorim will hope to end his debut season with a trophy – and one that would also spare the club’s blushes financially.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/a9Oz01e