Manchester United Begin Second Wave of Staff Redundancies at Carrington

Job Losses Follow Cost-Cutting Measures Under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ownership

Manchester United have initiated a second round of staff redundancies at their Carrington training ground, with up to 200 jobs expected to be cut in the latest phase of a restructuring process following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in the club.

Redundancies Timed Around Europa League Final

According to club sources, the redundancy process has been underway for several weeks, but certain staff — particularly those connected to the first team — were only officially informed of their futures after Wednesday’s Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur. The delay was intended to prevent disruption to match preparations.

Now that the final is over, notifications are being issued to affected individuals. Staff in departments including medical, sports science, and scouting are reportedly among those impacted.

Impact on Staff and Morale

Morale within the club has reportedly taken a hit, especially following United’s defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final — a result that means the club will miss out on European competition next season for only the second time since 1990.

Before the redundancies began, Manchester United had a workforce of approximately 1,100 employees. The first wave of job cuts last year saw around 250 roles eliminated, generating savings of between £8 million and £10 million.

Earlier this year, CEO Omar Berrada confirmed that an additional 150–200 redundancies were expected in the next phase, which is now being carried out.

Financial Pressures Mounting

United’s failure to secure European football is projected to create a £100 million shortfall in revenue, adding further pressure to streamline operations. The club has already reported losses exceeding £370 million over the past five years. Furthermore, United’s 2024 financial accounts reveal that the club still owes £313 million in outstanding transfer fees to other clubs.

Since Ratcliffe’s minority acquisition in February 2024, a number of cost-cutting initiatives have been introduced. These include:

A review and reduction of ambassadorial roles, including those held by club legends such as Sir Alex Ferguson.
Closure of the staff canteen, replaced by a free fruit offering.
Reduction in non-essential operational costs, including travel and hospitality.

Despite these cutbacks, the club proceeded with a pre-planned post-match barbecue at Carrington for players and their families following the loss to Spurs in Bilbao.

Leadership Presence in Bilbao

Both Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co-owner Avram Glazer were present at the final in Spain, joined by Sir Alex Ferguson. Reports suggest a fleet of vehicles was driven to Bilbao ahead of the final for the use of United’s senior executives.

Looking Ahead

The restructuring underscores the serious financial reality facing Manchester United, as the club attempts to navigate a future without European competition and aims to stabilize its long-term fiscal health. Ratcliffe’s stewardship signals a focus on operational efficiency — though it comes with significant human cost.

Man Utd Begin Second Wave of Job Cuts at Carrington