Manchester United cuts jobs and scraps free lunches to save millions
- Manchester United is implementing further cost-cutting measures, including potential job cuts affecting up to 200 roles.
- The club has experienced significant financial challenges, losing £373 million over five consecutive years.
- These actions are designed to establish a more stable financial footing for future investments in athletic performance.
In an effort to address ongoing financial struggles, Manchester United has initiated another round of job redundancies, potentially affecting up to 200 employees. The football club, based in England, has faced significant financial losses over the past five years, accumulating a total loss of £373 million. Amid these financial challenges, club chief executive Omar Berrada stated the measures are necessary to stabilize the club's finances, ensuring that it can better invest in its men's and women's teams going forward. The upcoming layoffs add to the 250 positions that were eliminated last year, indicating a troubling trend in workforce reductions. These cuts follow a period of poor performance where the club has not only lost money continuously but also struggled to compete effectively in the Premier League. Currently, Manchester United ranks only 15th, significantly hampering its ability to attract high-quality players and improve overall team performance. In addition to layoffs, the club plans to eliminate free meals that were previously provided to staff at Old Trafford, a measure aimed at saving more than £1 million annually. The changes also include reducing staff bonuses and transitioning employees from Old Trafford to the Carrington training ground. The decision to stop free lunches aligns the club more closely with typical workplace standards, but it has been met with disappointment by many staff members. The catering service at Carrington will continue, albeit with scaled-back offerings for staff compared to what was previously available at Old Trafford. Berrada emphasized the importance of these measures, stating that ongoing losses cannot continue if the club is to thrive in the future. The club is also exploring avenues to enhance commercial revenues, a move that includes hiring Marc Armstrong from Paris Saint-Germain as the new Chief Business Officer. These sweeping changes are aimed at developing a leaner, more financially sustainable operation that aligns with UEFA and Premier League regulations while providing enhanced services to commercial partners and fans. While some staff understand the necessity of these measures, many are anxious about the uncertainty surrounding their jobs and the impact on workplace morale.