Man Utd redundancies: 250 roles to be cut in controversial Sir Jim Ratcliffe decision

Manchester United are set to cut their staff numbers by around a quarter, with wide scale redundancies to be carried out this summer.

Around 250 jobs will be cut from the club’s 1,112 employees, with United currently employing significantly more people than their main Premier League rivals. The cost-cutting measures recommended will be applied across all departments, excluding the club’s charity wing, the Manchester United Foundation.

In justifying this controversial decision, United sources state that football success is their primary aim, with an independent review carried out concluding that significant transformation is needed at all levels. The review also found that staffing numbers were too big, and ‘non-essential’ activities were identified which can be halted. Costs are said to have risen year on year, in addition to new financial regulations.

Separately, The Athletic state the news was replayed to staff in an all-hands meeting on Wednesday afternoon by interim chief executive Jean-Claude Blanc. The outlet also add that while the decision has been made by minority shareholders Ineos, the Glazers, who retain a majority stake, have approved the decision.

This is not the first instance of cost-cutting measures since Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchased a minority stake in the club in February. Several senior staff members had their credit cards frozen, while free food and travel to this year’s FA Cup final was also cut. Staff have also been told they must work in the club’s offices, essentially banning the policy of working from home.

Ineos have wasted no time in making high-level changes at the club, with Omar Berrada, Dan Ashworth, Jason Wilcox and Toby Craig hired at executive level and are reportedly looking to appoint Christopher Vivell to assist with recruitment. Ten Hag’s coaching team is also set for an overhaul with Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Heke to be installed.