Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has warned that the club could run out of cash by the end of 2025 if decisive financial measures are not taken.
Ratcliffe emphasized that even with the recent £300 million cash injection, it wouldn’t have been enough to stabilize the club without cutting costs—especially if United refrains from making new signings in the summer transfer window.
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The 72-year-old lifelong Manchester United fan acquired a 29% stake in the club last year for £1.3 billion, a deal that also granted him control over football operations.
Financial Mismanagement Under Previous Ownership
Ratcliffe criticized the previous regime for poor financial decisions, particularly structuring deals that spread transfer payments over multiple years. He pointed out that United is still financially committed to players signed in past windows.
“If you look at players we did NOT buy, we’re STILL going to spend money this summer on Antony, Casemiro, Onana, Højlund, and Sancho,” Ratcliffe stated.
For instance, Manchester United is set to pay Borussia Dortmund £17 million this summer as part of the transfer fee for Jadon Sancho. The club also continues to pay installments for:
André Onana – £47.2 million (signed from Inter Milan)
Antony – £81.5 million (signed from Ajax, currently on loan at Real Betis)
Casemiro – £70 million (signed from Real Madrid)
Ratcliffe also suggested that several players currently on high wages are not good enough for Manchester United and should be moved on in the summer. His comments indicate a potential squad overhaul as he looks to reshape the club’s financial and footballing structure.
