Man United to dismiss 200 workers, stop free staff lunch amidst financial struggles
Manchester United will scrap free staff lunches at Old Trafford and reduce bonuses as part of a cost-cutting drive to stabilise the club’s finances following five consecutive years of losses.
The Premier League club announced that up to 200 additional jobs could be cut, adding to the 250 roles eliminated last year, in a bid to return to profitability.
Man Utd chief executive, Omar Berrada, said the measures were “unfortunate but necessary” to ensure the club’s financial sustainability and compliance with financial regulations.
“We have lost money for five years in a row. This cannot continue,” Berrada stated. “At the end of this process, we will have a leaner and more agile football club, capable of investing in success on the pitch and improved facilities for fans.”
The club’s financial struggles were highlighted last week when quarterly accounts showed a loss of £27.7m, with operating profits plummeting from £27.5m to £3m. United also cited financial pressures as the reason for increasing ticket prices at Old Trafford, a move that sparked backlash from fan groups.
The decision to cut costs follows Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of a minority stake in the club and his assumption of control over football operations. The INEOS billionaire has pledged to overhaul United’s sporting structure, but his approach has been met with mixed reactions from supporters.
The cost-cutting measures come amidst ongoing struggles on the pitch. United sit 15th in the Premier League under new head coach Ruben Amorim, while previous managerial changes have contributed to mounting financial losses.
The sacking of Erik ten Hag and his coaching staff cost the club £10.4m, while severance payments for sporting director Dan Ashworth exceeded £4.1m.
Despite these moves, fans continue to direct their frustration at the Glazer family, the club’s majority owners, who have faced long-standing accusations of mismanaging United’s finances since their leveraged takeover in 2005.
With budgetary constraints limiting their ability to compete in the transfer market, United’s leadership insists the restructuring is essential for long-term success. However, with high tensions and performances faltering, the club faces a tough road ahead both on and off the pitch.
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