Manchester United have announced up to 200 more redundancies as part of a “transformation plan” aimed at boosting the club’s financial sustainability.
This follows the loss of around 250 jobs in 2024. A statement on United’s website on Monday revealed that the plan, designed to “return the club to profitability” after five consecutive years of losses, could see “approximately 150-200 jobs” cut, pending a consultation process.
Why Are Manchester United Cutting Cost?
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, holding a 28.94% slice of the club through his Ineos group, quietly clocked up his first year as co-owner on 20 February — a milestone in what’s been anything but an ordinary 12 months at Old Trafford.
United Chief Executive Officer Omar Berrada explained: “We have a responsibility to put Manchester United in the strongest position to win across our men’s, women’s and academy teams. We are initiating a wide-ranging series of measures which will transform and renew the club.
“Unfortunately, this means announcing further potential redundancies and we deeply regret the impact on those affected colleagues. However, these hard choices are necessary to put the club back on a stable financial footing.
“We have lost money for the past five consecutive years. This cannot continue.”
“Our two main priorities as a club are delivering success on the pitch for our fans and improving our facilities,” Berrada went on. “We cannot invest in these objectives if we are continuously losing money.
“At the end of this process, we will have a more lean, agile and financially sustainable football club, while continuing to provide a world-class service to our valuable commercial partners.
“We will then be in a much stronger position to invest in football success and improved facilities for fans, while remaining compliant with UEFA and Premier League regulations.”
Why Now?
The announcement comes hot on the heels of Manchester United’s latest set of accounts being released, shedding light on the club’s significant financial outlay amid ongoing turmoil both on and off the pitch.
The figures revealed that United forked out a staggering £14.5 million in severance payments to part ways with manager Erik ten Hag, sporting director Dan Ashworth, and several other key football staff. Ten Hag’s dismissal in October, following a string of poor results, cost the club £10.4 million in compensation for him and his backroom team. Ashworth’s exit added to the bill, with his abrupt departure in December—just five months after joining the club—setting United back a further £4.1 million.
In the wake of Ten Hag’s sacking, Ruben Amorim was brought in to steady the ship, but the task has proven anything but straightforward. United’s struggles on the pitch have only deepened, with the team currently languishing in 15th place in the Premier League after a disappointing 2-2 draw with Everton over the weekend. The lacklustre form has only intensified pressure on the club’s hierarchy as they grapple with both financial and sporting challenges.
While the men’s side continues to falter, Manchester United’s women’s team has been a rare bright spot this season. Sitting second in the Women’s Super League table, they are currently riding an impressive six-game winning streak, offering a glimmer of hope and success for the club amid a turbulent period.
