According to reports, Manchester United's latest 'cost-cutting measure' has left rival clubs 'surprised'. The club are set to abandon traditional gift-giving as part of their pre-season plans.
Away from the intensity of competitive fixtures, as a gesture of goodwill, most teams give gifts to one another when meeting in pre-season. Some
exchange personalised shirts, or other club merchandise, while others may even create custom items specific to each friendly, including silverware.
However, Man Utd are set to abandon this long-standing tradition.
Man Utd to Give Up Pre-Season Tradition
Won't give Leeds United a gift
Jim Ratcliffe
As per Ben Jacobs of talkSPORT, the Red Devils insist that it's a move away from needless ceremony and pomp, especially when facing familiar English opponents. However, rivals believe it's yet another example of a 'cost-cutting measure' from the Old Trafford outfit.
Under Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the purse strings have been tightened, with stewards losing bonuses, and staff members losing their jobs – all of this, provoking much criticism. These measures form part of a wider effort to address the club's significant financial losses, which have exceeded £300m over the past three years.
Now, ahead of the club's pre-season match against long-term foes Leeds United, Man United will not be offering up a gift when they meet in Stockholm on July 19. It seems likely that this treatment will then repeat for Premier League Summer Series fixtures against West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton,
With rival clubs viewing it as a money-saving exercise, it remains to be seen how it could impact Man United. After all, these gifts can be used as a way of maintaining and forging relationships with teams and the executives of those sides.
That said, the Red Devils instead plan to put some of the budget towards hosting rival executives, starting with a planned drinks reception with Leeds officials in Stockholm. The club feel that, having faced the Whites 12 months ago in Oslo, Norway, it's pointless to give out more pre-season gifts.
MixCollage-07-May-2024-02-34-PM-5879 Related
Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'Cancels £40,000 donation to Man United Legends'
Under Ratcliffe, there is no place for sentimentality at Man United, as another cost-cutting measure has left a portion of the club feeling alienated.
Fans Slam the Man United Decision
"This just comes across as stingy and needlessly mean"
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Glazers at Man Utd
Fans online were undoubtedly left baffled by the news, with one remarking:
"This club is so broke, wow."
Along a similar theme, another noted: "Man... we are next level broke." A third remark: "Lol we’ve become a joke of a club."
One more said: "It's 100% a cost-cutting measure! It's embarrassing from the club!" Another noted: "Things are getting out of hand."
While a final fan summed up the mood, writing: "This just comes across as stingy and needlessly mean. Can’t believe they don’t realise the optics of these measures are awful."