Manchester United staff are reportedly fuming over a leaked email from shareholder INEOS, revealing plans to cut back on club benefits for the upcoming FA Cup final next month.
The Red Devils are set to face local rivals Manchester City at Wembley on May 25, hoping to end the season with some silverware. In previous FA Cup finals, all 1,100 United employees received free tickets, and senior staff and directors could bring friends and family along. This included last year's final, against the same opposition.
Senior staff members not only got a free ticket but also had their travel to and from Wembley arranged, as well as a pre-match party, post-match lunch, and hotel accommodation in London - all at no cost, the Mirror reports. However, this will not be the case for the forthcoming final, with INEOS boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe making significant changes to streamline the club's benefits.
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According to The Times, an email sent to club staff stated that they would only receive a free ticket to the game, with all other perks being scrapped under Ratcliffe's regime.
United employees have been informed they must fork out £20 for coach travel to and from Wembley, while a one-way ticket will cost them £10. Some within the club see this as cost-cutting measures by Ratcliffe, who bought his stake in the Red Devils just before the year's end.
One of the key concerns Sir Jim Ratcliffe has identified since stepping into Old Trafford is the club's spending habits. The British billionaire is thought to be desperate to make sure that Man Utd keeps its finances in check, operating within profit and sustainability guidelines.
The alleged email, cited by The Times, reads: "There is still hard work ahead over the coming weeks, but I know everyone at the club is completely focused on delivering the performances and results expected of Manchester United and finding ways to win in whatever role you do.
"In recognition of your ongoing support this season, we will organise a colleague trip to Wembley for the final on 25 May. This year, the trip will be a little different. We will still provide you with a complimentary ticket to the game. However, we'll ask you to contribute towards coach travel, and lunch will not be provided.
"While we appreciate this is a change from previous trips, you will all be aware of the need for us to spend the club's money effectively, with a focus on performance and outcomes.
"We hope that this year's trip balances the opportunity for you to go to Wembley to support our players while also ensuring we can invest as much as possible into the club over the coming months to achieve our goal of returning Manchester United back to the top of English, European and world football."
