Ruben Amorim must win the Europa League to get Manchester United back into the big time or else Sir Jim Ratcliffe's brutal cost-cutting measures will continue
13:44, 12 Feb 2025Updated 13:48, 12 Feb 2025
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has overseen a swathe of controversial cuts and a ticket price hike at Old Trafford
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has overseen a swathe of controversial cuts and a ticket price hike at Old Trafford(Image: Leicester City FC via Getty Imag)
Sir Jim Ratcliffe will continue his brutal cost-cutting measures at Manchester United until the club gets back into the Champions League.
Which means the United co-owner could make even more redundancies this summer, if Ruben Amorim doesn't secure a place in European football's elite competition.
And with United languishing in 13th place in the Premier League table, Amorim will have to win the Europa League this season for Ratcliffe to get what he wants.
The news will pile the pressure on Amorim, who has led United into the Europa League knockout stage after finishing third in the group table.
But Amorim, whose side will face either Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ Alkmar or FC Midtjylland in the next round, knows the competition is one of the most gruelling to win.
Ruben Amorim is under pressure to win the Europa League as it represents Manchester United's best chance of getting back in the Champions League
Ruben Amorim is under pressure to win the Europa League as it represents Manchester United's best chance of getting back in the Champions League(Image: Getty Images)
Despite record revenues, United have lost £300m in the past three years. And this has resulted in Ratcliffe and his INEOS group targeting all areas of the United business for potential savings.
The club's compliance with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules (PSR) has been at the forefront of Ratcliffe's thinking, along with building a new stadium for the fallen giants.
The billionaire has seen United miss out on millions in lost revenue and sponsorship from not being in the Champions League this season.
Liverpool, who are one of the favourites to win the Champions League this year, have earned £84m from the competition in this campaign alone, having finished top of the group stage table.
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It emerged this week that Ratcliffe is poised to make more redundancies - in a bid to free up cash for new signings. It's understood Ratcliffe and fellow club bosses want to shed between 100 and 200 jobs.
Ratcliffe has been on a mission to reduce costs at Old Trafford ever since buying a 25% stake in the club 13 months ago. And it seems he is prepared to do whatever it takes to provide funds for Amorim to spend on new signings.