Man Utd 'abandon summer plan' as Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues ruthless cost cuts

Manchester United will end a pre-season tradition this summer as part of the latest cost cuts overseen by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, according to reports. Ratcliffe's attempts to balance the books at Old Trafford look set to continue into the new campaign as the club's financial limitations are laid bare in the transfer window.

United started the summer with a bang by sealing a £62.5million deal for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha before identifying Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo as their second marquee target. However, the Red Devils' drawn-out attempts to negotiate a fee with Brentford over the last month have highlighted just how tight Ruben Amorim's transfer kitty is.

United's new-look hierarchy is working towards making the club profitable again, and the budgeting measures have now extended into pre-season friendlies.

According to talkSPORT, the M16 giants will no longer take part in gift-giving during their pre-season schedule.

Rival clubs are said to believe it is another cost-cutting measure, but United figures reportedly consider the tradition old-fashioned and unnecessary.

United's captain will continue to exchange pennants with his counterpart before matches, commemorating the meeting.

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However, they will no longer offer displayable items like personalised shirts, silverware and other merchandise.

These gifts are usually viewed as a gesture of goodwill, offering clubs that do not usually play United the chance to showcase the occasion as well as boosting relationships with fellow executives.

The report adds that United instead plan to host figures from their pre-season opponents, with a drinks reception scheduled for the July 19 match against Leeds United in Stockholm.

Amorim's side will then travel to the United States to compete in the Premier League Summer Series against West Ham United, Bournemouth and Everton.

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Fiorentina are the final opponents on the pre-season schedule, with the Serie A outfit due to visit Old Trafford on August 9.

Ratcliffe has faced criticism for his previous cost-cutting measures, including around 450 redundancies and removing free staff meals.

United have also reportedly ended Sir Alex Ferguson's ambassadorial contract worth £2m per year and reduced funding for the club's charity, the Manchester United Foundation.

The Red Devils have tasted further backlash for their attempt to boost revenues by raising ticket prices again after a disastrous 2024/25 season.