Manchester United’s co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is implementing cost-cutting measures by giving all non-playing staff a week to decide if they want to resign.
This comes as Ratcliffe, who now controls 27.7% of the club through a £1.3 billion minority takeover, aims to reduce costs to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.
Staff, excluding coaches and scouts, received a mass email offering “voluntary resignation,” but many see it as voluntary redundancy given the club’s staff count of over 1,000, according to SunSport.
The Athletic reports that this move is part of Ratcliffe’s wider strategy to streamline operations at Old Trafford. He is reviewing business and operational costs following the club’s £42 million loss.
Ratcliffe has made significant changes already, like ending the option for staff to work from home, as per reports.
Additionally, employees were required to contribute £20 towards travel costs for the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
This was a departure from previous perks that included free tickets, transport, and meals.
This cost-cutting extends to matchday benefits as well. Although staff received free tickets for the FA Cup final, there was no complimentary food or travel this year.
Recall United are also facing potential exclusion from next season’s Europa League due to Ineos’ ownership of Nice, which also qualified for the competition.
UEFA mandates that Ineos must demonstrate no “decisive influence” over both clubs.
Failure to comply could see United relegated to the Conference League.