 "Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe continues to undertake cost-cutting measures. Image: Reuters")
Manchester United’s cost-cutting measures continue as the club has announced that up to 200 workers will be laid off in the latest round of redundancy. The English Premier League club sacked 250 employees last summer after Jim Ratcliffe bought a minority share in the team.
United in a statement on Monday said that the latest job cuts are aimed at restructuring the corporate side of the club and helping them save money.
“Manchester United is to transform its corporate structure as part of a series of additional measures to improve the club’s financial sustainability and enhance operational efficiency,” a statement read.
“The transformation plan aims to return the club to profitability after five consecutive years of losses since 2019. This will create a more solid financial platform from which the club can invest in men’s and women’s football success and improved infrastructure.
“As part of these measures, the club anticipates that approximately 150-200 jobs may be made redundant, subject to a consultation process with employees. These would be in addition to the 250 roles removed last year.”
No free lunches for staff at United’s Old Trafford stadium
Besides cutting jobs, Ratcliffe has reportedly also decided to close the staff canteen at United’s Old Trafford stadium while the free lunches currently on offer will be replaced with fruit, the Guardian said.
Similarly, at Man United’s Carrington training ground, the free lunches will now only be available for players while the non-playing staff will only offered soup and bread.
The Old Trafford canteen is expected to shut down by the end of the week. Currently, the employees are eligible to get free hot meals, tea and coffee. This will be replaced with free fruit.
On matchdays, the casual staff will continue to get packed lunch.
Man United are planning to save around £1 million by bringing an end to free lunches.
Manchester United have been struggling financially for a while with their on-field performances continuing to be poor. Last week, United’s quarterly accounts revealed a loss of £27.7 million for the period, with operating profit plummeting from £27.5 million to just £3 million.