The latest drama at Manchester United staff, who now have their Christmas party, has been cancelled and their bonuses have been reduced. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is doing everything possible to balance the club's financial crisis. From the tremendous wage structure of the players to streamlining the operations of the backroom staff, every aspect of the club’s finances is under scrutiny.
As reported by the Telegraph, the staff’s 100 Christmas bonus has been replaced with £40 M&S vouchers. The morale among the staff must’ve taken a massive hit after Ratcliffe announced this change, and they can expect more cost-cutting reductions from their new owners in the future as well.
The Manchester United co-owner has monitored 250 dismissals since taking over the club, along with other changes. The staff now have a clear indication that this might be the direction that the football club will run in.
Manchester United Staff Dismayed After Ratcliffe's Latest Money-Saving Strategy
The Glazer family gave the staff the fortune of a £100 bonus each year before Christmas. Still, Ratcliffe had none of that and believed even the slightest changes could drastically improve the club’s financial situation.
The annual Christmas party has also been reported to be canceled this year, considering the amount of employees dismissed by INEOS. “We still have a long way to go, and we still have several difficult decisions to make, but I think we have to do that for the better good,” Ratcliffe said. The INEOS chief believes that his ruthlessness, strict guidelines, and approach could benefit the club massively in the long run, and these decisions are for the greater good of Manchester United.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is a hugely successful entrepreneur and a Manchester United fan who grew up near Old Trafford. He should be a good co-owner. But comments like “I don't think it makes sense for a Manchester United ticket to cost less than a ticket to see Fulham” via @UWSmag are…
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) December 8, 2024
Not only the players and the staff have felt the effects of Ratcliffe's ownership, but also the fans. Manchester United have decided to let go of concession tickets for pensioners and children, which has raised raging protests outside of Old Trafford. The minimum home ticket price has also been raised to £66. There will be no surprise on the footballing side, with many players who were once considered key players being shown the door. The reason is the massive wage structure the club has, and to be very straightforward, there is little to show for it on the pitch.