Manchester United are reportedly considering trimming the budget allocated to the club’s disabled supporters’ association by half.
Since INEOS billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed his partial 27.7% investment into the club, he has undertaken a raft of measures intended to significantly reduce operational costs at Old Trafford.
Some, including the laying off of about 250 staff members, have proven to be very unpopular. In INEOS’ bid to exhaust all avenues to reduce costs, United also ended Sir Alex Ferguson’s multi-million-pound ambassadorial role, which he held since his retirement in 2013.
Mike Keegan of The Daily Mail now reveals that United are targeting the £40,000-a-year usually given to MUDSA, the club’s official disabled supporters’ group.
It’s understood that a final decision has not been made over the “highly controversial move” which would undoubtedly spark the anger of a section of the fanbase.
An insider told the newspaper, “This is nothing short of a disgrace. The figures they are talking about are a drop in the ocean and the optics would be horrific.”
“It feels like the club has lost touch with its soul. The disabled supporters’ club has always been a big part of Manchester United and when you see how much money is being wasted on paying off managers and bringing in players who aren’t good enough, something like this will be very difficult to justify.”
Keegan explains that the money donated to MUDSA is used for a number of things including subsidising tickets to annual events such as a Christmas Party, which has proven to be very popular with members and the players.
It’s believed that United’s stars view the occasion as an opportunity to give back. MUDSA is one of the first official disabled supporters’ clubs in the country
Keegan explains that the club’s primary aim is to “free up cash” that would then be channelled towards strengthening the first team.
United are also eager to ensure they remain compliant with the Premier League’s Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR).
The Red Devils are back in action on November 24, when they travel to Portman Road to face Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town.
Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
