Ineos are to blame as Man United academy stars are denied big Old Trafford opportunity

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The ruthless cost-cutting at Manchester United by Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues.

Ever since the £1.2bn takeover by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the British billionaire has had one eye on cutting costs at Manchester United.

It has led to some extremely ruthless and controversial decisions being made, such as 250 jobs being cut by Ratcliffe last year.

Ineos also enraged fans by rising ticket prices to £66 – a decision that has been heavily protested against ever since.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s contract was ripped up and staff at Carrington had many of their job perks stripped – including their Christmas bonuses. The cost-cutting measures have now extended to the club’s prized academy.

Man United Under-18s targeting FA Youth Cup glory

United last won the FA Youth Cup in 2022 when a team including the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo lifted the trophy in front of 67,000 fans at Old Trafford.

• Manchester United Youth Cup Winners 2022 XI looks unreal now with Garnacho and Mainoo

The Red Devils have a brilliant record in the FA Youth Cup, winning it more times than any other club. United’s Under-18s are looking to add another trophy to the cabinet this year.

In our latest FA Youth Cup tie, Chido Obi starred in a 5-2 win over Preston, and the 17-year-old striker who signed from Arsenal this summer will want to impress again in the upcoming fifth-round clash.

United’s academy side face Chelsea, the next most successful side in FA Youth Cup history, next Wednesday (12th February).

If the Red Devils win that tie, they will face Arsenal in the final eight.

Ineos deny Man United academy Old Trafford experience

Just last week, Ruben Amorim urged United to improve the academy to help fix the club’s recruitment problems.

We have to improve the academy and we have to bring more [players through],” Amorim said, as quoted by BBC Sport.

There has been a shift under Ineos to recruit more young talents, with the likes of Chido Obi, Sekou Kone and Ayden Heaven arriving under new ownership.

READ MORE: Shea Lacey sends two-word message that will excite Manchester United fans

But, as reported by Manchester Evening News, Ineos have decided it is too expensive for the Under-18s to play their FA Youth Cup fixtures at Old Trafford.

When United lifted the trophy in 2022, every home game during that run was played at Old Trafford. Instead, home draws will be played at Leigh Sports Village.