Manchester United is preparing to reduce its workforce by nearly a quarter, affecting up to 250 of its 1,100 employees, as part of cost-cutting measures initiated by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
The decision, which has been in the works for four months following INEOS’s acquisition of a quarter stake in the club, was communicated to staff on Wednesday. The internal review highlighted the need for cuts across all departments to stream line operations and prioritize investment in the first team at Old Trafford, as reported by Mirror Football back in March and reiterated by the Daily Mail.
The club’s headcount amidst concerns over compliance with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules. Manchester United, as of June 30 last year, had the highest number of staff among Premier League clubs, with Liverpool, the closest competitor, employing around 1,005 individuals. In contrast, Manchester City had approximately 520 staff members, highlighting the scale of the restructuring needed.
Critics have previously directed criticism at United for an overly complex organizational structure that can impede decision-making efficiency. The review concluded that a substantial transformation was necessary to rein in rising staffing costs and enhance operational agility.
The redundancy process has received approval from the majority owners, the Glazer family. In addition to workforce reductions, various departments will halt non-essential activities.
Jim Ratcliffe’s approach, marked by stringent financial oversight, has also affected traditional perks for staff, such as scaled-back arrangements for cup finals, including limited tickets and reduced financial support for travel and celebrations.
This restructuring effort underscores Manchester United’s commitment to financial prudence and operational efficiency under new ownership.
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