Manchester United staff have been left angered by a decision from shareholders INEOS to streamline the club's benefits for the upcoming FA Cup final next month.
The Red Devils will meet local rivals Manchester City under the iconic Wembley arch on May 25 in a bid to end the season with some silverware. In past FA Cup finals, including last year's showpiece against the same opposition, all 1,100 staff members who work for United received free tickets, while senior members of staff and directors would be free to take friends and family.
For some senior staff, not only would they receive a free ticket, but travel both to and from Wembley was arranged, as well as a pre-match party, a post-match lunch and hotel accommodation in London - all free of charge. However, that will not be the case for the upcoming final, with INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe ringing out the changes.
As per The Times, club staff received an email informing them that they would receive a free ticket to the game and no more than that. All other perks - even the senior staff members and directors - have been scrapped under Ratcliffe's watch.
Those working for United have been told they must pay £20 for coach travel to and from Wembley, while a one-way ticket will set them back £10. Some inside the club view it as cost-cutting measures from Ratcliffe, who purchased his stake in the Red Devils just before the turn of the year.
One of the main issues Ratcliffe is reported to have spotted since arriving at Old Trafford is the level of expenditure. The British billionaire is desperate to ensure United operate within profit and sustainability limits
The alleged email cited by the Times reads: "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.
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“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."
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