Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘tells Man United’s new CEO to get tough on high earners, and introduce a rewards-based bonus like Manchester City’, days after his partial takeover was confirmed

  • Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants Manchester United’s new CEO to be stricter on wages
  • He wants a success-based system to be introduced, similar to Manchester City’s plan
  • While Pep Guardiola is at Manchester City, it will be difficult for anyone to unseat them. Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off podcast

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has said Manchester United’s chief executive should crack down on the big earners and ensure players only earn money if they are successful, a new report has found.

Since his partial takeover of the club was confirmed this week, Ratcliffe has identified a number of places where they can address their high wage costs.

Man United have struggled to live up to their usual high expectations on the pitch, with last season’s Carabao Cup being the only significant trophy the club has won in recent years.

According to the Mirror, Ratcliffe has demanded that Manchester United’s Chief Operating Officer Omar Berrada must quickly deal with this financial situation to ensure they return to days of success on the pitch.

Berrada has joined from arch-rivals Manchester City, tasked with creating a bonus-heavy blueprint like the one that has brought many trophies to the Etihad, including last season’s Treble and the Club World Cup.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to crack down on Manchester United’s high wages to drive success

Omar Berrada brought success to Manchester City, and now he's getting the same at Old Trafford

Omar Berrada brought success to Manchester City, and now he’s getting the same at Old Trafford

Man City have a higher wage bill, but also earned £300 million in prize money by winning the Treble

Man City have a higher wage bill but also earned £300 million in prize money by winning the Treble

Man United’s latest figures showed they spent £330 million on wages, but there was a lack of success on the pitch to fund such high expenditure.

While Manchester City posted a £400m wage bill in November, they earned £300m in prize money from their three trophies last season, with more to come due to their involvement in the 2025 Club World Cup.

Berrada proved to be a good negotiator during his time at Manchester City. He walked away from high-profile deals when they were not financially viable, and now he will be tasked with doing the same at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Man United have repeatedly broken the bank – offering huge salaries – to players who have failed to pay it back on the pitch, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba and Alexis Sanchez.

Ratcliffe completed a £1.3 billion deal to become co-owner of Man United, with INEOS finally given the green light to take a 27.7% stake in the club on Tuesday evening.

Due to Saturday's defeat against Fulham, Erik ten Hag's team is eight points behind Aston Villa

Due to Saturday’s defeat against Fulham, Erik ten Hag’s team is eight points behind Aston Villa

Manchester United finished bottom of the UEFA Champions League group this season

Manchester United finished bottom of the UEFA Champions League group this season

Manchester United finished bottom of the Champions League group this season and can only return to the competition via the Premier League.

However, Erik ten Hag’s side are in sixth place, eight points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa, after their late defeat to Fulham on Saturday afternoon.


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