Manchester United's financial and competitive landscape has shifted dramatically since Ruben Amorim took charge in mid-November. The club's squad value has plummeted by 15%, falling from £700 million to £594 million. This decline represents the most significant depreciation in squad value across England's top-flight, with a staggering 27% drop since the start of the season. In response to financial pressures, the club announced up to 200 redundancies as part of its cost-cutting measures, following the removal of 250 roles last year. These redundancies are integral to United's restructuring efforts aimed at returning to profitability.
The ownership group, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is focused on making financially prudent decisions amidst a bloated workforce compared to rivals. Despite these challenges, Manchester United remains the sixth-most valuable squad in this season's top-flight. However, only eight of the 20 teams in England's top-flight have experienced a reduction in squad value this term. If current performance trends continue, Manchester United would find themselves just ten points above the relegation zone with another defeat.
The redundancies have impacted the club's first-team squad, with players feeling increased pressure to secure victories. Ruben Amorim acknowledged that the club's lack of success on the pitch is contributing to a challenging environment, stating that morale is at its lowest.
"It has a lot to do with the lack of success with the football team. We are the engine of any football club. I just want to help the club," said Ruben Amorim.
Amorim has been candid about the difficulties faced by Manchester United as they navigate through this tumultuous period. He emphasized the importance of addressing all issues within the club and understanding how they arrived at this point.
"That is clear. We have to address all the problems in the club, but one important piece of this moment is to understand we get to this situation," Amorim remarked.
The manager also highlighted the challenges of implementing changes during a period of poor performance, underscoring the necessity for on-field success to facilitate broader transformations.
"It's hard enough! This year was like really hard for everybody. We did – as a club – a lot of changes. Then when you are doing changes, if you have a football team who is playing well and winning games, it's easier for the fans and everybody to feel that changes," Amorim explained.
The redundancies and cost-cutting measures are part of a broader transformation plan aimed at stabilizing Manchester United both financially and competitively. Despite these efforts, the club finds itself amid an unprecedented financial downturn and performance slump.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's leadership is focused on long-term sustainability, emphasizing financial responsibility over immediate gains. His administration is tackling the issue of a bloated workforce head-on, a stark contrast to rival clubs who maintain leaner operations.
The squad's current valuation as the sixth-most valuable illustrates that despite challenges, there remains significant potential within the club. However, the pressure mounts as Manchester United edges closer to precarious standings in league rankings, with relegation anxieties looming should performance not improve.
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