Manchester United’s Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been busy cutting costs since taking a minority stake in Manchester United and is set to axe 250 jobs at Old Trafford.
Although more than that number are deemed at risk, not all of those affected will lose their jobs.
Employees have been left “angry and hurt” after some were cut from the club’s pre-season tour at the last minute.
Staff have already been informed about the forthcoming redundancies with some even pulled from the club’s pre-season tour of the United States at the last minute, according to The Mirror. More job cuts are set to follow, resulting in morale at the club at a low ebb ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group is determined to drive down costs at Old Trafford, although there is thought to be disquiet among employees who believe the savings are minimal compared to the £1bn former Chief Executive Richard Arnold said in 2022 the club had “burned” on underperforming players.
Already this summer, United have spent almost £90m on signing defender Leny Yoro and striker Joshua Zirkzee. They have raised a guaranteed £31.6m through the sales of Mason Greenwood, Willy Kambwala and Donny van de Beek.
Ratcliffe is eager to restructure the club and bring down costs to make operations more sustainable. Yet staff believe Manchester United’s poor recruitment of players in recent years is more to blame for the club wasting money than work carried out by loyal staff. The Red Devils have certainly splashed out heavily on players who have failed to impress including such big-money buys as Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Donny van de Beek.
Chief Operating Officer, Collette Roche told a fan forum earlier this month that 250 roles would be cut and attempted to explain why, as reported by The Telegraph. She said: “Significant transformation is required to meet the challenges we face to be successful on and off the pitch.
“We believe greater efficiency can lead to better outcomes. The cost review has identified ‘non-essential’ activities we can stop, and we therefore believe we have more people than we need to deliver future club priorities.
“We have not taken this decision lightly and would not be doing it if we didn’t feel it was necessary for the long-term health and success of the club.”
Following, United are due to fly out to North America for their pre-season tour.
Erik ten Hag’s squad leave for a three-match tour of the United States on Wednesday.
The Red Devils are due to take on Arsenal, Real Betis and Liverpool before returning for a Community Shield clash against Manchester City.
