Manchester United to Cut 250 Jobs in Cost-Cutting Move

Manchester United is set to reduce its workforce by 250 jobs in a bid to cut costs and streamline operations. Following a comprehensive review led by director Sir Dave Brailsford, the club has identified several non-essential activities to discontinue, aiming to align its structure with current football performance. This decision comes amidst rising annual costs that need curbing. The club, which currently employs 1,150 full-time staff, plans significant savings by focusing on essential functions.

Interim CEO Jean-Claude Blanc announced the impending job cuts during a recent staff meeting, highlighting their necessity due to financial pressures, even though they anticipate criticism. Blanc underscored the importance of these measures in ensuring the club’s long-term financial stability and operational efficiency. Critics argue that poor recruitment strategies around the first team have been more costly than the savings from workforce reductions.

Despite spending £1.5 billion on players since their last Premier League win in 2013, few signings have provided commensurate value. Manchester United also recently invested £50 million in upgrading their Carrington training ground, temporarily displacing the women’s team. Club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe acknowledges the challenges ahead, emphasizing the need for modernization to match the club’s stature.

The decision, which excludes the charitable Manchester United Foundation, reflects the club’s commitment to long-term financial sustainability amid ongoing challenges and discussions about potentially relocating to a new stadium site near Old Trafford.