British media: Manchester United no longer gives gifts to opponents in preseason due to cost reduction, and thinks it is unnecessary

According to

"talkSPORT", the Red Devils plan to cancel the pre-match gift mutual gift session in this summer's pre-match pre-match. Competitors believe it is to cut costs, and Manchester United insists it is just to avoid unnecessary rituals and glitz, especially when facing England's opponents.

Usually, clubs will exchange flags and gifts in pre-season friendly matches, and when United plays Leeds United on July 19 in Stockholm, they will no longer be involved in gift exchanges. And in the summer warm-up match against West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton, Manchester United may not be having a gift exchange with their opponents. As for whether Manchester United will change their approach to the game against Fiorentina on August 9 at Old Trafford.

The clubs swap custom jerseys or other club merchandise during preseason games can be said to be a tradition, and some teams will even customize souvenirs for each friendly match, including trophys, etc. These items will be considered unique displays, especially for clubs that may only have the chance to play with Manchester United in the offseason. This ceremony can also be counted as a kind of expression and helps strengthen relationships between management.

Now Manchester United plans to host rival executives before the game instead of exchanging team flags and gifts, a change that will be implemented first at a cocktail party with Leeds United officials. Since Manchester United played against Leeds United in Oslo a year ago and the two teams will also meet in the new Premier League season, the Red Devils believe it is unnecessary and even a bit outdated to give gifts to familiar opponents in the preseason.

While Manchester United insists that the move was not budgetary, Manchester United is implementing a series of massive cost cuts after Inex took over, including layoffs of hundreds of people and closures of staff restaurants. Sir Ferguson's club ambassador role has been terminated, and the salaries of Brian Robson, Andy Cole and Dennis Irving have also been cut. These measures are designed to solve the financial losses of the Red Devils over £300 million in the past three years.

When Ratcliff joined as a minority shareholder, he promised a personal investment of £220 million, but he believes that the money would not have any impact without first stabilizing the club's financial situation. Ratcliffe said in an interview with the Daily Telegraph in March: “If we don’t take these measures, the club will run out of funds before Christmas. The club can say to employees, ‘We will offer free lunches, various benefits, and will pay for your first-class train tickets, and even provide you with free taxis, but at the same time we will cut expenses elsewhere.’

” This practice cannot be consistent. I know I have received a lot of criticism for being outspoken and tough, but things will either be resolved or left unresolved. My mother often said, 'If you manage every penny well, big money will naturally follow. '"

It is not clear how much money Manchester United can save by not giving gifts to preseason opponents, but the move surprised some of the gift-ready opponents and did not explain it. The club declined to comment when talkSPORT contacted United to clarify the reasons for the move.