Amid team leaks and multiple club news coming out before official announcements, Manchester United is tightening its grip on internal communications. After sensitive club information found its way to the public and journalists many times, United CEO Omer Berrada has warned staff that any disclosure of confidential details would be treated as “gross misconduct”, a charge that could lead to immediate dismissal from the club as this goes against their confidentiality agreement with the club.
According to The Telegraph, the email was sent to all club employees as part of an investigation into the recent wave of leaks. “Anyone disclosing information outside of the club is breaching their obligations of confidentiality, and we are very clear that this will be considered gross misconduct,” the email read. Berrada emphasized that strict measures are being introduced to prevent further breaches and to identify any staff members responsible for the leaks. However, quite amusingly the email to prevent leaks also got leaked and was available to The Telegraph.
Manchester United is going through a tough phase and ever since the new minority ownership came under Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Staff members are uncertain, with many jobs laid down in a move to save money and curb the losses. Recent financial reports have shown that United has spent a staggering £14.5 million to part ways with former manager Erik ten Hag and sporting director Dan Ashworth. The club employees have been told that the club is exploring every option to save including reducing more employees and raising revenues.
The email also highlighted United’s concern about how journalists use methods to get information about the club. Omer Berrada urged the staff to report any such advances made through social media, Whatsapp and phone calls seeking club secrets and news by journalists. “We expect all staff to remain vigilant and report any such attempts immediately,” he added.
The email comes at a difficult time for United, who are circled with problems all around. The club isn’t doing well in the league where they sit at a disappointing 15th position. Moreover, the recent news of the club laying down further employees is also making the news. With ongoing financial pressures and plans for further job cuts, reportedly an additional 200 positions, morale among staff is low. Cost reduction measures and the threat of termination make very little room for error for the employees.
While Manchester United have yet to release an official comment on the leaked email, the message is clear: the club will no longer tolerate any breaches of confidentiality. As United works to restore stability both on and off the pitch, this latest news highlights how the club is tough on this issue. Somehow, the news is still leaking and it is to be seen how successfully the club addresses this issue but for now, staff are on notice that silence is golden at Manchester United.