Manchester United to lay off a quarter of their workforce – source

Manchester United have informed their staff that nearly a quarter of the club’s workforce will be made redundant, with the money saved to be used to improve on-field performance, a source has told ESPN.

United employees were informed of the plans at a meeting on Wednesday.

A source told ESPN that the news, delivered by interim CEO Jean-Claude Blanc, has left club staff in shock.

Some staff have already been informed of their departures while others will find out if they are affected later this week.

The move, initiated by INEOS’ new chairman and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, could see up to 250 of United’s 1,100 employees leave.

A source told ESPN that Ratcliffe is hoping to make savings in the millions, with the bulk of it going towards improving the first team and its facilities.

The decision was taken following a review of the club’s costs following Ratcliffe’s arrival as part-owner in February.

A source told ESPN it had not been “taken lightly” but there was a feeling a “significant financial transformation” was needed to revitalise the club’s fortunes.

A number of other cost-cutting measures have already been implemented, including the cancellation of traditional staff travel and hospitality costs to attend the FA Cup Final.

United agreed on Friday to pay Newcastle United a substantial fee to allow Dan Ashworth to begin work as their new sporting director.

The multi-million dollar deal ended a four-month dispute between the two clubs.

Ratcliffe has been criticised for prioritising the men’s first team, particularly after the decision to relocate the women’s team to temporary buildings at the club’s training base in Carrington while improvements are made to the men’s facilities.

Erik ten Hag’s players and staff will use the buildings intended for the women’s team while their facilities are renovated.

The improvements will cost around £50m and work is expected to last throughout the 2024-25 season.

United declined to comment when contacted by ESPN.