Friction at Man Utd: Staff and fans unhappy over Ratcliffe decisions

Pressure is on co-owner Jim Ratcliffe to start showing improvements at Manchester United with club morale low.

Several staff members are reportedly displeased with the way Ratcliffe is running the club, and the discontent stems from various unsuccessful decisions and cost-cutting measures.

Measures that have sparked ire include ending a significant annual financial pledge for former manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, as part of the latest cost cut.

Other decisions include a redundancy programme that reduced the staff headcount by 250 across various departments by the end of August. Such decisions are part of Ratcliffe's aim to place the club on a more secure financial footing.

And fans are up in arms at United's recent decision to raise ticket prices to £66 per game - applicable irrespective of the purchaser's age.

But staff dismay is not limited to financial matters. Ratcliffe's decision to retain Erik ten Hag, leading to United's fall to 13th place in the Premier League, has likewise faced criticism.

Moreover, the club announced the departure of former Newcastle sporting director, Dan Ashworth, which led to further frustration within the club.

Former Everton CEO, Keith Wyness conveyed that Ratcliffe has 'lost a lot of morale within the staff'. He went on to mention that several staff members feel the club is currently 'rudderless' and lacks clear leadership.

Despite the unsettled state, there is some positive consensus around Ruben Amorim. The newly hired manager could be the character needed to steer the club in the right direction, rebuilding morale.

However, concerns over club finances remain due to costs associated with hiring Amorim and letting go of Ten Hag.

Man Utd legend Teddy Sheringham has voiced his concern regarding this, as he fears Amorim inherits a squad built for Ten Hag. Sheringham expressed hope that the club is ambitious enough to make exciting signings in January, assuming there's a budget for it.

There is a growing sentiment that fans and 'ordinary people' are the ones paying for these mistakes by Ratcliffe. Total costs related to staffing changes, such as sacking Ten Hag and his coaching staff, stand at a staggering £21.4m. While it has not been disclosed yet, Ashworth's payoff is expected to be substantial given his short tenure.

And on the pitch United are now facing their worst start after 15 league games since 1986-87. Yet, the big question remains - how will Amorim navigate the trials that lie ahead?

There are financial constraints, player recruitment issues, and the ever-looming pressure from fans and management. Yet, Amorim expressed an understanding of the challenges, asserting, "It will be a long journey but we want to win because this is a massive club," he said.