Manchester United announced that it will lay off approximately 150-200 staff members as part of efforts to stop a streak of five consecutive years of losses since 2019. The club stated that the job cuts are “subject to a consultation process with employees” and come on top of 250 redundancies that were already made last year. These latest cuts are part of a series of controversial decisions made by co-owner Jim Ratcliffe since he took control of the club’s soccer operations in February 2024.
Along with the layoffs, the club will also end free lunches for staff, reduce executive bonuses, and halt donations to certain charitable organizations.
Manchester United CEO Omar Berrada stated that the club has experienced financial losses for the past five years, and this trend cannot continue. He emphasized that the club’s primary goals are to deliver success on the field and improve facilities, but those objectives cannot be achieved while the club continues to lose money.
Berrada outlined a series of measures aimed at transforming and renewing the club, including potential job cuts, which he deeply regretted. He noted that these tough decisions are necessary to stabilize the club financially and put it in a stronger position to invest in football and facilities, while staying compliant with UEFA and Premier League regulations.
This announcement came shortly after Manchester United’s second-quarter results revealed an £14.5 million ($18.3 million) expenditure related to the departure of manager Erik ten Hag, his coaching staff, and sporting director Dan Ashworth. Ten Hag was dismissed in October, just months after the club extended his contract, following their worst league finish in over 30 years.
Ashworth left after only five months, having overseen over £200 million ($253 million) in player signings, while the club earned £110 million ($139 million) from player sales. Currently sitting in 15th place, Manchester United is on track to miss out on Champions League qualification for the third time in four seasons.
