Manchester United’s struggles deepened after a demoralizing 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, with frustration mounting among fans and club officials. Jean-Philippe Mateta’s brace sealed a miserable night for the Red Devils, who now find themselves slipping further down the Premier League standings in 14th place. The mood around the club is tense, and manager Ruben Amorim has reportedly taken drastic steps in response to the team’s ongoing poor performances.
Amorim, dissatisfied with the squad’s lack of effort despite their hefty wages, has allegedly urged INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe to consider cutting the salaries of underperforming first-team players. His post-match comments reflected his growing frustration, as he openly criticized some of the highest-paid stars for failing to meet expectations. He questioned why players earning substantial wages could not justify their salaries with their performances, arguing that the financial rewards might be contributing to their complacency.
This bold stance has reportedly caught the attention of INEOS, with discussions now underway about the feasibility of implementing wage reductions. If carried out, this decision could have significant implications for the dressing room and the club’s long-term strategy. Amorim has supposedly identified several key players whose salaries he believes should be reconsidered due to inconsistent displays, including Diogo Dalot, Casemiro, Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Christian Eriksen, André Onana, and Bruno Fernandes, among others. These individuals rank among the squad’s highest earners but have failed to consistently deliver top performances this season.
Reactions to Amorim’s proposal have been mixed. Some fans back the idea, insisting that players should be held accountable for their performances and should not be rewarded with high wages if they are not meeting expectations. Others worry that such a move could create unrest within the squad and further destabilize an already struggling team. A section of the fanbase believes that those unwilling to accept a pay cut should be shown the exit door, arguing that playing for Manchester United should come with a level of commitment beyond financial gain.
The response from the affected players remains uncertain, but this move could become a defining moment of Amorim’s tenure. If Ratcliffe and INEOS decide to back his demands, it would mark a significant shift in how Manchester United manages its squad’s finances. The club has long been criticized for offering inflated wages to underperforming players, and Amorim’s push for financial discipline could signal a new approach aimed at instilling hunger and accountability within the team.
However, there are risks involved. Cutting wages unilaterally could lead to dressing room unrest and might even push some key players toward an exit. With United already struggling in the league, losing influential squad members due to contract disputes could worsen the team’s performance further.
For now, all eyes are on INEOS as fans and pundits await their decision. Will they support Amorim’s demand for stricter financial management, or will they choose to avoid potential fallout with their star players? Whatever the outcome, the next few weeks could be crucial in shaping Manchester United’s direction and their chances of recovering from this disappointing spell.
