Sir Jim Ratcliffe has come under fire for his’very petty’ FA Cup judgement, which the Manchester United staff claimed to be “furious” about.
The Red Devils shocked Manchester City 2-1 at Wembley on Saturday with to goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. Erik ten Hag, the manager under fire, won his second trophy in two seasons as United’s head coach.
Ratcliffe denies Man Utd staff FA Cup perks
Ratcliffe and Ineos provided complimentary tickets for the entire United crew to see the game, but unlike previous seasons—the 2023 championship, for instance—the staff members received no additional benefits for their diligent work during the season.
They used to receive free transport to and from Wembley, free pre-match activities, free post-match lunches and free hotel accommodations in London. However, this year, as Ratcliffe attempts to reduce expenses at United, such benefits are no longer available.
An alleged leaked email from Ratcliffe read: ‘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.’
A ‘very petty’ thing to do
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire argues that, considering what else the club spends its money on, Ratcliffe’s decision to deny the United personnel their FA Cup final bonuses left them “furious.”
Maguire said: “It seems a very petty thing to do towards the staff. As somebody that has lived in Manchester for 40 years, I’ve got friends who have worked at Old Trafford in a variety of roles and I know how dedicated they are. Getting to Wembley is a collective effort.
“I have no doubt that the Glazers will be flown across at great expense to the club, yet Ratcliffe and his merry men are nickel and diming their way to saving a bit of money.
“They have players earning £300,000 a week so United’s financial challenges are not caused by the staff at the club that have been working their socks off for the past 30 years.
“So I think this will have an impact upon morale and the whole point about being a club is that you are supposed to be united.”
Leave a Reply