Man United fan group SLAMS Sir Jim Ratcliffe as they insist the billionaire’s cost-cutting measures are an ‘affront on the working-class foundations’ the club was built on

A Manchester United supporters group has released a statement offering a scathing assessment of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s tenure at the club.

Just over 12 months have passed since the Ineos chief’s long-stated ambition to take over his boyhood club was realized, with the deal announced on Christmas Eve 2023.

Since taking over the football operations at United, Ratcliffe has proven to be largely uncompromising in his bid to revamp all aspects of the club.

A number of key additions have been brought into the backroom staff, including former Manchester City chief Omar Berrada as CEO.

However, significant cuts have also been made, including the controversial recent decision to end the club’s long-standing £40,000 annual donation to a charity that helps support former United legends.

Ratcliffe also made a mid-season move to increase matchday ticket prices to £66 per match – with no concessions for children or pensioners – while more than 250 club staff have been made redundant.

The 72-year-old’s cost-cutting initiatives have proven hugely unpopular among fans

With things still needing to improve on the pitch, The 1958 released a scathing statement calling Ratcliffe’s spell at the club ‘a year of shame and disgrace’ and calling on fans to hit back.

It read: ‘A year in which INEOS and Sir Jim promised so much after the generational damage caused by Glazer ownership.

‘Sir Jim declared that he wanted to ‘put The Manchester back into Manchester United’. Anyone who thinks a local boy would understand the community, the working class and the structure of our great club. On the contrary, and the outrageous comments in the recent interview comparing United to Fulham support this.

‘Actions will always speak louder than words. All the evidence so far shows a different picture.

‘Price increases for match fans. Abolition of concessions for children and pensioners. Club staff are losing jobs at all levels, saving peanuts. The Ashworth debacle cost millions. Ticket service affected by cutbacks (collection actions). Morale of the club and hopes of fans in the gutter. Stewards bonuses will be removed and numbers will be reduced.

‘You have seen the queues well (more about this another time). Donations to the charity that supports former United players have been halted without notice. Nothing but total disregard for the fans and for the structure our club is built on.

“Sir Jim’s cost-cutting strategy is nothing short of an insult to the working-class foundations on which our club was built. It’s a penny-wise and pound-foolish approach. Targeting those who are most in need, least able to afford it and who have no voice is an act of cowardice and shows a total lack of understanding.

“An investor with strong convictions would tackle the real issues affecting the club. The Glazers. Their mismanagement of the club for over 20 years. Their crippling debts on the club and the millions of pounds the club pays in interest payments every year.

“The Glazers recovery strategy focuses on the vulnerable factions of our fan base. We now have the worst of both worlds. An attack from top to bottom, with the Glazers scouring the club and an attack from below, with the ‘local Failsworth boy’ preying on those who can least afford it and have no voice.

The statement claims the INEOS chairman has shown ‘contempt’ for the club’s supporters

The 1958 also claimed that Ratcliffe’s actions had only worsened the club’s condition following the Glazer family’s hugely unpopular ownership.

United are fourteenth in the Premier League, with Ruben Amorim having made a difficult start at the club

‘This cannot continue! We will not allow this to continue! If we as a fanbase do nothing. Then there will be no more rivalry, no more fan culture.

‘Only tourists and companies are happy with a day out without emotional attachment.

‘We are ready for battle. Is the Supporters Trust (how long are you going to stand by and do nothing)? Is the fan base? In times of adversity and hardship, we must all look to each other for the light.

‘It’s your choice. It’s now or never. No matter who you are, underestimate the fans and Mancunians at your peril.”

Thursday’s defeat to strugglers Wolves condemned United to their eighth Premier League defeat of the season.

With only 22 points from their first 18 games, the twenty-time top champions are closer to the relegation zone than the top four.

United are back in action on Monday evening when they host Eddie Howe’s Newcastle.