Info Malang Raya Its All About World News
- Manchester United have reportedly cancelled a pre-season tradition which will start when they face Leeds United
- Fans are not happy with the decision, and they see it as a money-saving measure that it has been undertaking for a while
- The club’s minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has made unpopular decisions aimed at cutting costs at the club
Manchester United are set to abandon their pre-season tradition, a move seen as a cost-cutting measure, and fans are not happy.
Manchester United have been making unpopular decisions since Sir Jim Ratcliffe bought a minority stake at the club in February 2024.
Fans have reacted negatively to several of his controversial decisions, including staff cuts.
Why are Man United not signing players?
The transfer window has been open for over a month, yet the 13-time Premier League champions have made no significant signings. While they secured Brazilian Matheus Cunha early on, no major arrivals are forthcoming.
Since they’re not in the Champions League, Ruben Amorim admitted the window will be different.
Moreover, due to years of financial mismanagement, the Red Devils will have to sell before making more purchases. Marcus Rashford, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia, and Jadon Sancho have been told to find new homes.
With the start of the 2025/26 season drawing nearer, fans are growing frustrated by the lack of signings. Although they’ve been linked with Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, no deal has materialised.
“Without the Champions League, we also don’t need a big squad,” Man United coach Ruben Amorim said in May. “We can control the squad in a better way. Then we have a plan, that is to bring in some new players, but our big plan is to improve the team we have, to improve the Academy.”
What traditions are Man United cutting?
In a bid to save money, Man United have made several controversial decisions, including laying off 250 staff, scrapping free travel benefits, and hiking prices, among other measures.
Now, Talksport has reported that the club is abandoning the tradition of ‘gift-giving,’ starting with their friendly against Leeds United on July 19 in Stockholm, Sweden.
Clubs usually exchange pennants and gifts during friendlies, per the Sun.
The report adds that clubs often exchange personalised shirts or other merchandise in pre-season games, viewing it as a gesture of goodwill to strengthen relationships.
Ratcliffe is likely to take more measured steps to cut costs and help the club turn a profit.
Where will Man United go for pre-season?
The Red Devils will travel to the USA again and will face fellow Premier League sides before concluding their friendlies at Old Trafford early next month.
They will face West Ham, Bournemouth, and Everton in the Premier League Summer Series between July 27 and August 3.
They will face Fiorentina on August 9 at Old Trafford before opening their season against Arsenal on August 17.
Will Man United sign Ollie Watkins?
In a related story, IMR.co.ke reported that Man United are aiming to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
The club have reportedly given up on Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has been linked with Arsenal.
The England star is reportedly unsettled after being benched and nearly left for Arsenal in January.
