Manchester United Football Club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has drawn criticism for slashing £40,000 in annual funding to the Association of Former Manchester United Players (AFMUP). This decision, which affects the charity’s operations, comes amid a series of cost-cutting measures implemented under Ratcliffe’s ownership, raising concerns about his treatment of long-standing club affiliates.
The AFMUP, which has received significant financial support from the club since 1985, has not received its last two quarterly payments of £10,000. Trustees of the charity have expressed alarm over the move, viewing it as a deliberate effort to alienate former players, particularly those who contributed during the pre-Premier League era. Jim Elms, an AFMUP trustee, said that after the charity sent letters inquiring about the missed payments, they were informed that the funding cut might be permanent.
United’s CEO, Omar Berrada, reportedly reached out to Elms to discuss the funding cut, though he remained non-committal about reversing the decision. Elms recounted that Berrada did not seem to view the charity’s funding as a priority and suggested that the reduction could be the end of the organization’s financial backing from the club.
The AFMUP primarily uses the funds to organize events where former players, including those who never played for United’s first team, can gather and reconnect. The cut in funding follows a broader trend of austerity measures under Ratcliffe’s leadership. Earlier this month, reports surfaced that the United board had reduced perks for staff attending the FA Cup final, which had previously included free travel, accommodation, food, and tickets. Additionally, cuts to security staff bonuses and a proposal to reduce club staff by 250 positions this summer have sparked backlash from fans.
The cuts have drawn widespread criticism, with fans accusing Ratcliffe of using aggressive cost-saving tactics that undermine the club’s legacy and reputation. Even former manager Sir Alex Ferguson has faced the impact, with reports indicating that he was asked to step down from his ambassadorial role.
