Sir Jim Ratcliffe stance on spending restrictions clear as Man United fear outcome of critical vote

Sir Jim Ratcliffe fears a critical Premier League vote could go against Manchester United which would impact on their ability to reverse their fortunes.

Ratcliffe, and the Glazer family, are believed to oppose a significant proposed financial rule change which would see the introduction of a salary cap in English top flight football. United are understood to oppose it on the grounds that it could allow other European leagues to become more competitive than them, as well as hinder their attempts to attract the best players so they can compete with the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal for the Premier League crown.

Premier League club chiefs will meet for a shareholders meeting in London later today (Monday, April 29) where one of the key issues on the agenda will be a vote in principle over a potential introduction of a salary cap, as first reported by The Times.

Financial controls in the Premier League have come under considerable scrutiny over the past 18 months or so, with the likes of Everton, Nottingham Forest and Leicester City being hit with charges and sanctions related to the league’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) while Manchester City’s situation around their alleged 115 breaches of Premier League rules over a 10-year period is yet to be resolved.

READ MORE: United have louder negative opinions to deal with after Burnley draw

READ MORE: What Erik ten Hag Manchester United sack decision means for FFP and points deduction fears

With PSR rules to be replaced by a model similar to UEFA’s squad cost ratio rule from 2025, the new plans, which look at wages, amortisation, severance costs and intermediary fees as a percentage of operating revenue and player trading profit, have been criticised as not